Christophe Dugarry claims Kylian Mbappe “spat in the face” of the Champions League with his dismal performance against Barcelona.
♦ Mbappe anonymous in 3-2 defeat
♦ Barely mustered a shot on goal
♦ Dugarry left fuming with his display
WHAT HAPPENED?
PSG lost 3-2 to Barcelona and their defeat was in large part down to the absence of Mbappe, who turned in a performance of truly dire quality. Throughout the 90 minutes, he touched the ball just 46 times, the lowest number of any PSG outfield player to complete the game, and also failed to have a shot on target.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe is almost certain to leave PSG this summer and join Real Madrid but his numbers throughout the season point to a player who is still committed; he has scored 39 goals in 41 games in all competitions, including six in nine in the Champions League. Dugarry, perhaps as a result of that form, was left stunned by his display against Real’s bitter rivals.
WHAT DUGARRY SAID
Dugarry told RMC Sport: “He was not up to par and unfortunately it has been going on for a few weeks for Kylian Mbappé. I am not going to attack the footballer because it is too easy, everyone saw yesterday’s match. I don’t want to attack the dismal performance of Kylian Mbappé. I want to attack the man Mbappé, who showed the worst of football last night, and the worst of the attitude that a top player can have level. I’m not talking about a player at his level, but a high level player.
“We have the right to miss matches, to miss passes. We have the right to be rubbish. But the behavior, the attitude of this boy yesterday is simply scandalous. It’s a scandal for football, it it’s a lack of respect, it’s a betrayal for his supporters, for his partners, for the people who have trusted him for so many years, the people who pay him, the people who appreciate him… and for football . You spat in the face of the Champions League. A quarter-final that you supposedly dream of winning with your club. Supposedly… But you spat on the competition. The attitude he had on this match is an absolute disgrace.
“There is a rematch. I believe in the possibility that this boy will transform and make his team win. I hope so with all my heart. But I did not think that this boy could fall this low. I think that it is the worst match I’ve seen him make in terms of attitude.”
WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?
Mbappe will next be in action in the second leg, as PSG do not play this weekend, perhaps handing them an advantage over Barca, who will play Cadiz in La Liga on Saturday.