PSG not disrupted by Mbappe reports, says coach Galtier
Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier said the rumors about Kylian Mbappe’s future did not disrupt his team’s preparations for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Benfica.
PSG were struggling for a third straight draw as the match at the Parc des Princes ended 1-1 after Mbappe put them ahead from the penalty spot just before half-time.
It comes after multiple media outlets in Spain and France had previously suggested Mbappe would be looking to leave PSG in the January transfer window, despite only signing a new three-year contract at the end of last season.
“I don’t know anything,” Galtier said when asked about Tuesday’s post-match reports.
“All I know is that a rumor became a story and then it almost became a statement.
“I find it very surprising that such a story comes out right before such a big game.”
He added: “I didn’t see anything unusual in Kylian’s preparation for the match, and he played with high tempo and intensity and reacted to the rumors.
“We are still focused on the game and I don’t think the rumors have disrupted our preparations.”
Mbappe’s goal was his 12th goal of the season for his club in 13 games but he is said to be unhappy with his place on the PSG team and the Qatar-owned side did not signed a top-class central defender in the upcoming season.
He had been expected to move to Real Madrid at the end of his final campaign before choosing to stay in Paris with the club he first joined from Monaco in 2017.
Galtier questioned the motivation behind the reports made when they did, as PSG – minus the injured Lionel Messi – missed their chance to secure a Champions League last-16 spot with two group stage matches. after the draw.
“This rumor will come out just four or five hours before this game, I have every right to be surprised,” he said.
“Who does this rumor help? Who is it useful to? Not us.”
PSG, who take on Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday, will have their next Champions League match at home against Maccabi Haifa on October 25.
A win in that match would secure PSG’s spot in the knockout stages.
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