“Psychological after-effects” – Player opens up on failed Sunderland move, needs to ‘unpack everything’ now

SM Caen’s Alexandre Mendy claims he needs time to ‘mentally’ recover from a failed move to Sunderland, as reported by Ouest-France.

The striker was keen on joining the Black Cats in the summer window. Mendy’s agent had insisted he was determined to make a switch to the Stadium of Light.

Mendy had also publicly asked the Ligue 2 side to let him join Sunderland. However, Caen were not interested in accepting his request.

Earlier this month, Caen manager Nicolas Seube expressed his happiness, after his side blocked the player’s transfer to Sunderland.

The 30-year-old made his first appearance of the season in Caen’s 1-1 draw against FC Annecy on August 30th. Since then, he’s played two more games, scoring a goal in the process. Mendy is aware he still needs time to regain his best form.

“Yes, I feel great. There are still some gaps in the last few metres, in the sequences. I lack a bit of match rhythm. I worked hard on my side during the summer, that’s also what makes me feel good physically. Mentally it will come,” he said, relayed by Ouest-France.

The Guinea-Bissau international recently told Caen’s official website he’s focusing 100% on the club. When asked if it’s important to show this on the pitch, he opened up about the impact of the failed move to Sunderland.

“Yes, for my confidence, it was important. Afterwards, no, I’m not 100% recovered,” Mendy explained.

“Despite everything, there are psychological after-effects, which will go away with time. There were words given… Having packed the boxes, having projected yourself elsewhere. We have to unpack everything now.”

The attacker, who has contract until 2026, was asked about the possibility of leaving Caen in January.

“I have learned to live day by day, since planning ahead has not worked out too well for me. I will be there tomorrow; we will see what happens next. I have no deadline or absolutely no desire to leave in [after] December,” he added.