Realistically? Only the Betis game. Otherwise he has had some real shit luck with finishing. Not for the lack of trying though. Again, while I get the need for people to shit on him ASAP, it's still early days. 10 games into a 60 something game season (if Madrid doesn't progress). Bro single-handedly almost won a 2nd WC final for France so it's interesting that people are questioning his seriousness about the French team. Looks like he wasn't even missed given the results.
As a captain. That's the extra factor. This doesn't really affect us, but the French fans are apparently not happy for some unfathomable reason.
People not or refusing to see the "ethical" conundrum this presents. It opens up a pandora box because this is not just about professional "ethics", whether or not he's committed to making that lung bursting overlapping run to be a decoy or track back and defend after a lost ball. It's the fact that he openly attempted to decieve the public about his whereabouts and ongoings through his pr team and social media accounts and used the Real Madrid club, training ground and staff as part of his alibi, in which case he's now deservedly lost the benefit of the doubt and trust.
🗣️ Deschamps: “Mbappé going to Sweden? In private, he does what he wants. If it bothers certain people.….he was where he was, because he had no restrictions from his club. I'm not defending him for the sake of defending him. This does not mean that he did not watch the game, or… pic.twitter.com/3zDMxfp1nx— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) October 13, 2024
Wow/. Things really are bad, otherwise there would be no need for this. Deschamp's specifically and explicitly stated he had "no restrictions from his club" and that he is not "defending him for the sake of defending him" well then what exactly are you doing. There's no need to read between the lines here, the message is clear as day. Mbappe has fudged this up big time and the shark's are circling.
The "no restrictions from his club" bit checks out with what we've seen so far this season, we're giving players a bit more rope to keep morale high in a season full of additional games.
Yea, especially given we are one of the 8 European clubs involved in CWC that will take away 1 month vacation from the players.
Why does Deschamps comment on what restrictions Real Madrid may or may not have? Perhaps its a bit out of his authority and jurisdiction. I may be a bit out of the loop on this but players are not "free" to do whatever they please on their own free time. I would think the club or the whoever insure's the players maybe put restrictions on at least some activities that may be considered "risky." I don't think the issue here is whether or not Mbappe had permission to travel. Its the fact that he and his team of media and social media handlers felt the need to not only conceal his travel and leisure activities, but to actual decieve the public and manipulate p;ublic sentiment by hiding his true intentions and motives behind his medical leave and time off requested.
Ultimately the red flag for me is that if Mbappe will pull this stunt on his own country, he'll undoubtedly do the same to Real Madrid. That's the biggest takeaway, speaks volumes.
Because it plays the ball off his court. It's basically "guy isn't with us, so what he does is none of our business". Not too hard to understand. The whole thing isn't an issue from a functional standpoint, not like he failed a ped test, but it's bad pr.
Mbappe is like one of those young high potential employees. The type that do their jobs well, but seem to love night outs on a regular basis instead of getting a good nights sleep ready for the next day of work. Problem is, most of the time, you could only keep getting away with that while your young, but eventually the bad habits and lack of rest come back to bite you in the arse down the line.
I think he's not the only young player on our team that enjoys the good life and that's fine. The club will allow it because the schedule is brutal and money will only go so far in keeping these guys in high spirits. At the same time, doing it while calling in sick was the issue.
No issue at all if he hadn’t skipped NT due to “injury”. No issue at all if he’s playing to his level. But he’s off form due to athletic deficiencies and he’s the France captain. What’s more, he was out while France was playing… didn’t even watch. I’ve never seen a player lose credibility and support like he has. Just stunning lack of common sense and arrogance. Life is already catching up to him. Nobody wants him in France right now. He’s looked ok in Madrid just because of the goals but his play has been bang average compared to his capabilities. partying too hard. It’s clear as day. You lose athleticism either due to injury, lifestyle or age. The only factor for him is lifestyle.
I'm not too familiar with his story in France, so I'm still cautious about making any negative predictions just yet. I thought the whole transfer saga was quite embarrassing and I felt like he just used our name to get more money out of PSG. However, I gave him a blank slate when he joined us. His start with us hasn't been horrible, he's converting penalties and has a few goals from open play. He is not really fulfilling the expectations right now but that could all still be down to adapting to a new league and team. I am unaware of his partying habits. In relation to the Stockholm drama, from where I'm sitting it only really looks bad to French fans. But, his media people put out articles with our staff members' names, saying he's working out with them in Valdebebas as we speak... When he was actually in Sweden. Kinda feels like he used our name again, this time to cover his ass. That's not cool. Again, he was obviously given time off by the club. So the fact he was in Stockholm does not affect us. He can do what he wants with his free time, unless it's some unacceptable drama tarnishing the club's name. But for those of us who are exposed to his personality for the first time, it starts painting a picture.
Tbf @lecannois seems like he's basically going through the yellow press and crafting some "the sky isnt falling, it's already collapsed" scenario here which is kind of ridiculous.
It hasn’t fallen yet. It is falling though. I’ve been watching this trend for 15 months while Madrid fans have only been exposed for 3 months. He can recover in a heartbeat. But for that to happen, he needs to make good decisions first. I’ve been waiting for good decisions…. even neutral ones. The only indicator that matters in the end are performances on the pitch. It’s international break so I’m bored… so yes, I’m creating drama.
I think Mbappe is a bit tired of France....it's understandable. Press and endless scrutiny of the French is insufferable. They are always mad about something lol... He just seems "over it"....probably a bit of a burnout....it would probably do him good to be away from the NT for a while.... For his sake and (Madrid's), I wish he could drop the captaincy and stay away from the NT for a while......... unrealistic I know. My point is that dude must be mentally exhausted...you can see it in his NT press conferences.... Let them give captaincy to one of France's golden boys lol....whoever that is.
Raul was a model professional and had no injuries but lost his athleticism around the age of 27. When you play at the top level from very early age, sometimes you lose your "youth" before the others do.
Dunno, I don’t blame Mbappe for saying “F this” to another meaningless NT match that only tires you out and risks injury. The Nations League is a straight up money grab. Let the U21 or some version of the 2nd tier players own that one. I wish more of our players did the same to be honest.
Raul was a tiny guy though that over-achieved by playing hard physically. Mbappe is not a small guy and wasn't running all over the pitch throwing his body around.
You can't stay away from NT anyhow. If you are called up, you must report or get banned by FIFA and UEFA. It's not an optional thing unless the NT isn't meeting certain regulations. Mbappe, as soon as right before the Euro, was an absolute hero in France. Then he starts acting like an arrogant prick by saying just inane things. "What people think of me is the last thing on my mind" or "I want to represent a country that I am proud of, vote xyz" during elections, etc. The elections are what killed him. France is 50/50 in terms of politics. By pushing one side and ridiculing the other you've essentially put half the country against you. It's fine to have political opinions... but don't patronize people and tell them how they should vote. Give your opinion... but then say "Everyone should vote regardless of who you vote for". That's how a democracy works. He acted like Hillary Clinton, which was insufferable.
Mbappe and Raul are the same height lol. And Mbappe exerts more stress on his body due to his explosiveness. Your boy's legs are shot, he should have stayed in Paris