Ibrahima Konaté: 'If Kylian Mbappé has psychological problems in his life, we'll always be there to help him.'

Today at 06:20 AM

With Kylian Mbappé (25) once again absent from the France squad, theories as to why the captain and most influential player hasn’t joined up with his international teammates have swirled. 

It hasn’t helped that Didier Deschamps’ explanation for the Real Madrid forward’s absence has been so vague. The manager has refused to go into detail, only stating that it was a one-time decision and not based on non-sporting reasons. Deschamps has sought to add, however, that unlike in October, when Mbappé’s desire to play for Les Bleus was called into question, his captain did want to join up with his teammates at Clairefontaine this time around. 

Earlier this week, L’Équipe, quoting some of those close to Mbappé, suggested that the Real Madrid forward is enduring a difficult time mentally. "Call it what you want but Kylian has had a mental problem for several months. That doesn't sort itself out just like that. You need time and work, which he is carrying out with specialists," said the unnamed source, who according to L’Équipe interacts with the France captain on a daily basis. 

It is within this context that Ibrahima Konaté (25), speaking to Téléfoot, has offered support to his international teammate. “Beyond being a footballer, he is one of my friends, someone that I have a lot of affection for. If Kylian has psychological problems in his life, we’ll always be there to help him. But we know the qualities that Kylian has; he is a formidable player and one of the best in the world. Every player in their career has had a little blip so I’m not worried about him. I can’t wait for him to get back to his best level,” said the Liverpool defender. 

Konaté, in Mbappé’s absence, could captain Les Bleus when they take on Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening at the San Siro.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle