Spotlight on Mbappe as he returns for PSG
Monaco struggling as they play Etienne
PARIS, Sept 27, (AP): The spotlight will be on Kylian Mbappe for different reasons this weekend.
Not for his silky skills, his searing speed, or his ruthless finishing, but for his behavior.
The 19-year-old Paris SaintGermain forward will return from a three-game suspension on Saturday at Nice with questions being asked about his attitude. It all started at the World Cup. Mbappe helped France win the title by scoring four goals and displaying breathtaking individual performances goal in only three games.
Mbappe reacted wildly to a challenge from behind, shoved his opponent angrily to the ground and was then restrained by teammates. He received a straight red, though he was also booked in the first half for kicking the ball away when a free kick he disagreed with was given to Nimes.
But it was Mbappe’s post-match comments which could potentially cause PSG problems, notably in big Champions League games.
Asked if he regretted his dismissal Mbappe said he did not, remarkably adding he would do the same again.
It was a brazen comment which he tried to justify, saying: “I can’t tolerate this kind of (foul), which has nothing to do on a soccer field.” Reacting this way in a Champions League semifinal match against Barcelona or Real Madrid might suit Mbappe’s notion of sporting justice, but it would severely hamper his teammates playing with 10 men. Hardly the best advert for a team player.
Also, Mbappe’s comments about unfairness are somewhat at odds with his own play-acting during the World Cup. Cynical challenges from behind are something Mbappe is right to complain about, but shouldn’t he also eradicate his own play-acting? PSG have won their first seven league games but losttheir Champions League opener at Liverpool 3-2 last week, with Mbappe carelessly losing the ball for Liverpool’s winner.
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel’s immediate priority should be to calm Mbappe down and get him to see the big picture.
What has happened to one of the most entertaining sides in Europe? Monaco won the French league and reached the Champions League semifinals in 2017, scoring more than 150 goals. But this season’s laborious Monaco team are in 18th place and coach Leonardo Jardim seems to have lost his touch.
A loss at sixth-place Saint-Etienne on Friday will crank up the pressure on Jardim, who last year was considered among Europe’s best.