Kylian Mbappe Is Not A Single Solution To Paris Saint-Germain's Declining Performance

Mbappe (Photo: Instagram Mbappe)

JAKARTA – Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) coach Christophe Galtier emphasized that his team could not only rely on their superstar Kylian Mbappe to boost their declining performance.

This was conveyed by Galtier before leading his team to an away match at the headquarters of arch-rivals Olympique Marseille for the French Ligue 1 follow-up week at the Velodrome Stadium, Monday, February 27.

Galtier said that in order to secure points his team had to perform better and not just rely on key player Mbappe who had joined the team after recovering from injury.

"We have to win duels to get out of Marseille's pressure. We have to have more counter-attacks, which we didn't have during the French Cup match. With Kylian Mbappe, we can do that," he said as quoted by LiveScore.

"However, it's not only him [Kylian Mbappe] who can help us. He is capable of making a difference, but other players have to project themselves more freely and with greater determination to beat Marseille," he added.

PSG have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions. That includes a single-goal defeat against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the last 16 of the European Champions League this week.

Another loss was against Marseille in the last 16 of the French Cup, a result which saw their dream of winning a 15th French Cup of the season come to an end. In that defeat, Mbappe did not play because he was still injured.

Meanwhile, last weekend's dramatic 4-3 win over Lille in Ligue 1 ended a series of three consecutive defeats. However, their lead at the top of the standings could be cut to just two points if they lose to Marseille in the derby later.

"I can't say that Marseille is the favourite. Neither are we. For the status as favourites, a different dynamic will be needed. But the end of the games against Bayern and against Lille gave us a lot of hope," said Galtier.

"We have to have a very high level of play on a regular basis to beat Marseille, who is in good form and will have the full support of his supporters. We have to perform better than what we have shown in recent weeks," he added.

PSG's recent poor performance has reportedly put Galtier under pressure. Former coach Thomas Tuchel has recently been linked again as a potential replacement if the former Nice coach cannot restore Les Parisiens to form.