With only three wins out of 24 games since the start of the season on the European stage, France has a sad record. Constantly worried, always inferior, undeniably fragile, French clubs have a problem. A mental problem.

What if the solution was not on the ground? With the potential and strength of the French clubs, the results of this European season start, in the Champions League as in the Europa League, are catastrophic. With just three victories out of 24 games, the tricolor teams offer a sad spectacle.

If the opponents differ according to the competition, the success of the French in Europe is totally different from that found in the league. Why ? Based on the overall performances of all the French teams concerned this season - PSG, Lyon, Monaco, Rennes, Bordeaux, Marseille - a problem is apparent: the mind. A deficit that contrasts with the preparation honed in other major championships.

+ Europa League. Rennes, Marseille, Bordeaux ... The overwhelming record of French clubs

A neglected preparation

In France, the question of mental preparation is still too little discussed. In a modern football where versatility and physical demands reign supreme, the mental aspect of the players is not part of the preparation in some clubs. Whether before or after a match, the psychological conditions of footballers vary enormously, and mental preparation aims to remedy the worst: doubt.

The catastrophic record of French clubs in @ChampionsLeague #OLHOF #LateFC pic.twitter.com/zDrIWePP1A

- Late Football Club (@LateFootClub) November 7, 2018

A real enemy of the players, doubt turns pure talent into unfinished potential. In French clubs, mental preparation is neglected and it is not uncommon to have no staff member who can overcome this lack. If each profile has to be individualized, clubs like the PSG often use preparers, through the player himself.

Unique explanation?

As Patrick Vieira, the coach of OGC Nice, announced at the end of October: "I think that the technical and athletic talent is there, the French teams and the players have to progress at the mental level, on the preparation, on how to sacrifice for the team, see collective rather than individually. " But is it the one and only problem?

+ Football Leaks. A bonus of 375,000 euros to the PSG to applaud the public

Around this disastrous record of French clubs, hides a reality that sticks to the skin of the Tricolores. France and Ligue 1 are still too weak to compete. On the field as well as outside, players are not prepared to face the highest European level. Despite some sparks still far too rare, French clubs must pass a course.