Coach Christophe Galtier of Paris Saint-Germain claimed that speculation regarding Kylian Mbappe’s future did not interfere with his team’s preparations for their Champions League encounter against Benfica on Tuesday.
The game at Parc des Princes concluded 1-1 after Mbappe gave struggling PSG the lead from the penalty spot shortly before halftime. This was PSG’s third consecutive tie.
In spite of only signing a new three-year contract at the end of the previous season, some media reports in Spain and France earlier in the day stated Mbappe might look to leave PSG in the January transfer window.
“I found it really unexpected that such a story should be released right before such a significant game,”
He said, “I didn’t notice anything different in Kylian’s pregame routine, and he played with a lot of rhythm and effort and responded to the rumors.”
The rumor didn’t seem to distract us from our focus on the game or our preparations.
Mbappe’s goal was his 12th for his club this season in 13 games, but he is reportedly dissatisfied with his position in the PSG team and the fact that the Qatar-owned team failed to buy a top-tier center-forward in the offseason.
“I found it really unexpected that such a story should be released right before such a significant game,”
He turned down a move to Real Madrid at the end of the previous season to remain in Paris with the team he had joined from Monaco in 2017.
With PSG missing the opportunity to earn qualifying for the Champions League last 16 with two group games remaining after the draw, Galtier questioned the rationale behind the reports’ timing. Lionel Messi was hurt.
I have a right to be startled that this rumor should surface just four or five hours before this game, he continued.
“Who is this rumor beneficial to? Who does it benefit? Not us.”
The next day, PSG hosts Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League after playing Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday on October 25.
