‘He Was Weak’ – PSG Star Faces Backlash for UCL Performances Against Barcelona, Dortmund

Kylian Mbappé will leave Paris Saint-Germain in a few weeks when his contract expires in June. The 25-year-old will join Real Madrid, but his lasting moments with the Parisians aren’t being seen in a good light.

The Ligue 1 side was on the verge of reaching the UEFA Champions League final but failed to score a goal in 180 minutes against Borussia Dortmund. Mbappé didn’t score in the tie and didn’t have much of an impact in the quarterfinal tie against FC Barcelona, despite scoring a brace in the second leg.

PSG had an advantage before the Frenchman’s goals and reflecting on the player’s Champions League performance, former French footballer and manager Alain Giresse believes that Mbappé lacked spark and looked weak during the quarterfinal and semifinal ties. 

“Has his performance declined over the season? Especially in the Champions League, where great players shine,” Giresse told Diario AS (h/t Le10Sport). “He wasn’t at his usual high level against Barça or Dortmund. Against Barcelona, he was weak, particularly in the first leg, but his immense talent allowed him to score two goals in the second leg. 

“Even a little bit of Mbappé is a lot. Against Dortmund, he lacked spark. PSG could have advanced—six goals is a lot—but precision is crucial, and both the team and Kylian fell short.”

Mbappé cannot have these types of performances in big-game matches for Real Madrid. If this happens with Los Blancos, the supporters and Spanish media will criticize him heavily.