The Parisian striker attempted eight shots against Rennes on Sunday, without converting a single one into a goal.
On the lawn of Roazhon Park, he showed himself, but did not shine. Top scorer in Ligue 1, Kylian Mbappé is going through a down period. He remained silent once again during Paris Saint-Germain’s victory against Rennes (3-1), Sunday October 8.
Established on the left side of the Parisian attack on Sunday evening against the Bretons, Kylian Mbappé is struggling to find the efficiency that has often characterized his game. MFailed by Steve Mandanda (45+2nd, 84th, 90+4th), or the Rennes defense (53rd), he also had some great chances. Like his shot sent above the empty goal, when he had eliminated the last defender then the opposing goalkeeper with two well-felt dribbles (86th). “It’s a bit strange that he didn’t score tonight, but it’s anecdotal.” said his coach Luis Enrique at a press conference after the match.
Attempts but no success
Yet he struggled, hitting on goal eight times in 90 minutes. But only three of his attempts found the target, and none hit the mark. This is his second highest total of shots without scoring in a Ligue 1 match (after the nine unsuccessful attempts against Monaco on August 28, 2022). The French striker is now on a series of four matches without being decisive (neither scorer nor passer), which has not happened to him since January and February 2023.
His period of less good is all the more noticed as it contrasts with his start to the season with fireworks. The captain of the France team had in fact scored eight of PSG’s first twelve goals, between mid-August and mid-September. At the same time, he has not been involved in any of the last eight Parisian goals.
“He has been playing at a high level since the start of the season”
Despite everything, the Parisian striker’s entourage does not want to panic. “It’s true that he didn’t score today, but he’s been playing at a high level since the start of the season. He did some good things, he made passes, he had chances.”, defended the PSG coach. With a little more success, his good cross for Gonçalo Ramos could have been transformed into a decisive pass (55th). “I think the important thing is what he brings to the team, both offensively and defensively”insisted the Spaniard.
Same story with Dider Deschamps, questioned about his captain when he revealed his list for the October gathering: “I have no concerns about Kylian, about his desire and his competitive mindset. I know him well enough. He himself, first of all, cannot be satisfied with what he does.” The 2018 world champion will reunite with Clairefontaine and the selection on Monday. The opportunity to change scenery, and perhaps regain your usual success.