Despite his seven goals in 11 games, Mbappe has faced a lot of criticism since his long-awaited transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid eventually happened in the summer. He has also drawn criticism in his native nation for missing this month’s France team.
THE LARGER IMAGEThe forward, who returned to fitness before this international window, continues to dominate talk surrounding Les Bleus ahead of their Nations League games against Israel and Belgium, despite manager Didier Deschamps’ explanation that Mbappe’s absence is due to a minor ailment. Konate, a star for Liverpool, has defended Mbappe, saying the 25-year-old must get tired of all the attention.THOUGH KONATEAt a news conference, Konate remarked, “Sometimes I put myself in his shoes, and if I had all this hype around me, I don’t know if I would have held on.” “He succeeded in doing so, and he keeps doing it. I don’t know if he’s had a psychological breakdown in his life, but I would like to talk to him about it. However, you must imagine yourself in his position. He is the center of everything, but he is lifeless! He is lifeless! And he must be struggling with it.”When Mbappe entered the game as a substitute in Real Madrid’s Champions League loss to the French team, Lille supporters jeered him. Konate was astonished by the response and remarked, “I don’t understand why he is being booed in Lille.” They welcomed me so wonderfully when I played with Liverpool against Toulouse in the Europa League last season. The guys at Liverpool honestly believed that I had spent my playing career with Toulouse. I believe he is past that, but it must be difficult for him to go through that in his home nation; it’s strange nonetheless.”
When Real Madrid returns to La Liga play on October 19 against Celta Vigo, Mbappe will be hoping to be in fine shape while France continues their Nations League campaign.
