While Kylian Mbappe, a teammate of Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, is said to desire to leave the club during the January transfer window, Lionel Messi has been recovering from a calf injury.
When questioned about Kylian Mbappe’s future during Friday’s pre-game news conference, Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier lost his composure.
Only five months after agreeing to a new three-year deal, Mbappe, 23, allegedly wants to leave PSG in January. When questioned about his apparent transfer request, the France international responded, “For now, a second World Cup.” “After that,” I’m not sure.
While Galtier had little interest in talking about Mbappe’s future, he had prepared a report on Lionel Messi’s health in front of their crucial home game against Marseille on Sunday night. PSG presently leads Marseille, who is in third place in Ligue 1, by three points.
This season, Messi has been in excellent form for PSG, scoring eight goals and dishing out just as many assists. The recent draws against Benfica and Stade Reims were missed due to a calf ailment, but Galtier informed the media: “Leo trained this morning, regularly with the group.
“He did the whole session and then we will wait to see how he reacts to the session. And tomorrow morning, we will wait to see how he reacts to the session tomorrow. But at the moment I’m talking to you: yes, [I can count on Messi].”
Galtier cited Mbappe’s goal in the 1-1 Champions League match on Tuesday night, which earned him the title of UEFA Player of the Match when asked about the player’s future. Mbappe’s intention to quit PSG was initially mentioned in reports that day.
Galtier said: “There was a rumour that came out the afternoon of a game. Kylian has an answer, the most beautiful answer. In a match that was not of a very high level, I think he was elected man of the match, he was performing well, generous for the team and very supportive.
“Have I spoken with him about the rumour? No! I saw Kylian very invested in the preparation for the game against Benfica, in the recovery and the preparation for the game against Marseille. That’s all there is to it. I repeat again, I am very happy to be the coach of these players, of this team, but still: write it down and let’s talk soccer.
“I have players who since the Champions League match have immersed themselves very quickly in the preparation of the match against OM [Marseille], which is a f high point! It’s the match that everyone is waiting for in the French championship.”
Galtier took over as PSG’s manager in the summer after Mauricio Pochettino left. He has the responsibility of keeping the Ligue 1 championship and making Champions League history for the team. The latter objective is definitely the more crucial.
Since being acquired by Qatar Sports Investments, a division of Qatar’s government-run sovereign wealth fund, in 2011, PSG has dominated French football. They have captured eight of the last ten Ligue 1 championships, although they have not yet won the European Cup.
This season, Galtier’s team is working to demonstrate their superiority in France and around Europe. They are fighting to win their Champions League group ahead of Benfica because the two clubs are now tied on points. They are only one point ahead of Lorient in second place in Ligue 1.
