Kylian Mbappe has revealed about his nature following the defeat to Manchester United which resulted in elimination from the Champions League.
Not many people would have placed the bet on Manchester United’s comeback after going 2-0 down in the first leg. But, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer always believed in his side and the players paid the trust off when they beat PSG 3-1 at Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Kylian Mbappe, who scored in the first leg has revealed that he has not been able to sleep since that shock in France three days before. Manchester United were 2-1 up in the second half, and the French International had an excellent chance to put the game beyond bed when he beat David De Gea in a one-v-one.
“The stadium was full, the supporters did their job and supported us,”
“It was a magnificent atmosphere and we spoiled the party. I’m stunned, there are no words. I’ve not been able to sleep, I think it’s been the same for everyone.”
However, the world cup winner slipped at the crucial moment which gave another chance for Solskjaer’s men to attack and find the goal which will take them to the next round. Adding to Romelu Lukaku’s brace, Marcus Rashford’s injury time spot-kick was enough to seal a place in the next eight of the competition, thereby eliminating Paris Saint Germain.
The French outfit have fallen short for the fourth straight time in Europe’s competition by failing to qualify for the Quarterfinals despite having two most expensive players in the world currently. It is arguable that Neymar was a crucial miss for the hosts, Solskjaer was hand tied to play with many academy youngsters on the pitch.
Questions were raised regarding the mental strength of PSG in dealing with the pressure European nights, but Mbappe remains confident about the club.
“I think there are lots of people who doubt,” he said. “But I still believe in this project. I’m sure that we’ll manage to do something special because the supporters are behind us and I hope it continues that way.”
The Red Devils looked assured in their game plan and did well to overrun Thomas Tuchel’s side who did not look calm and composed like they did in the first leg at Old Trafford.
The German International was not sure how his side lost despite creating tons of chances in the first half. But, he pinpointed the mistakes they made to gift them three goals.
“It’s easy to explain: we made two gifts in the first half. We totally controlled the game in the first 30 minutes. We played with a lot of quality, a good mentality, a good reaction after this first gift to Manchester. We had a lot of opportunities.
“And there, without opportunity, without anything, there is this second goal of Manchester. And there, it’s as if everyone said to themselves: They have two goals while they do not attack. We controlled the game, it was a totally ridiculous result.”
He said: “I never felt that Manchester United was coming to win. But hey, they did it so congratulations for that.”
Thomas Tuchel said it was a 50-50 decision which was given against Presnel Kimpembe for handball.
“Yes, clearly, I’m for the VAR. But I feel that the shot is not (on target) and if you make a shot that is not (on target) it does not make sense to get a penalty.
“I did not see and I think that with the rule of the hand, it is necessary to explain. He can explain the penalty because the rule is not clear.” Tuchel said.
The likes of Unai Emery and Laurent Blanc have been sacked by the club in recent years for the failure to go ahead in the Champions League. Thomas Tuchel will have another year of management at Paris to do justice for the club.
