Didier Deschamps “not worried” by Kylian Mbappé’s lack of form

Didier Deschamps announced his squad for the upcoming matches against The Netherlands and Scotland on Thursday, and whilst he admitted that his captain, Kylian Mbappé (24), isn’t at the peak of his powers, he said that he isn’t worried.

Mbappé, despite a recent dip, remains Ligue 1’s top scorer this season with seven goals. However, he hasn’t registered in his last two Ligue 1 matches (although in the first, he came off before half-time after sustaining an ankle injury) and put in an anonymous performance against Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.

Naturally, however, he is still a pivotal figure for club and country, evidenced by his selection as France captain in the wake of Hugo Lloris’ retirement following the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Deschamps acknowledged Mbappé’s recent dip in form during a press conference, transcribed by RMC Sport, but stopped short of expressing any concern.

“A lack of form? Clearly, he isn’t in top form, in line with his club’s results. Kylian, with all that he is capable of, his influence on the team – it has a big impact. Is it [because of] the summer period where he didn’t have a normal pre-season? I’m not worried about Kylian, his desire, or his competitive mindset. He himself can’t be satisfied with what he’s doing. Even when he’s doing well, he wants to do better. There is still this weekend before the matches with France, “ said Deschamps.

PSG face a difficult trip to the Roazhon Park this weekend, where they will face a motivated Stade Rennais, fresh from their Breton derby victory over FC Nantes.