Rio Ferdinand makes Kylian Mbappe feelings very clear after PSG suffer Barcelona defeat
Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for his performance during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes
Rio Ferdinand slammed Kylian Mbappe and singled out his performance as Paris Saint-Germain slumped to a 3-2 defeat against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Mbappe, 24, is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, meaning this is his final chance to win the Champions League with PSG. However, the Frenchman produced a below-par display during their quarter-final first-leg tie at the Parc des Princes.
After Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead, PSG turned the game on its head as Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha struck just after half-time and they could have put the game to bed. However, Xavi’s side responded to produce a fine comeback with Andreas Christensen scoring the winner in the French capital.
Speaking after the game, Ferdinand criticised Mbappe and admitted PSG have got to be much better if they want to turn the tie around in the second-leg next week. “PSG are not out of it but they have got to be a much better version of themselves next game,” he told TNT Sports.
“The one we spoke about, the best player in the world in my opinion; Mbappe. He didn’t perform and when he doesn’t perform PSG invariably don’t get the result.”
He added: “It’s about the team and taking them through. I think there is enough experience in there. They will be disappointed but they know there is more in the tank, they ran Barcelona close today but the last team to score three goals in Paris against PSG was Manchester United five years ago.”
Ferdinand did, however, praise Barcelona for their “tremendous” performance in Paris. The Catalan side boasted a mix of youth and experience in their side but were fearless throughout against a side who hadn’t lost in 27 matches in all competitions heading into the quarter-final first-leg.
He continued: “You have to say that Barcelona were tremendous. Such inexperienced players in that team were carried by the experienced players. Lewandowski I thought was magnificent as the No.9, a focal point of the team.
“But the substitutions for Barcelona were brilliant. Pedri comes on and makes a great pass. Raphinha, he was at Leeds and comes to Barcelona and is the man they are looking to get them through.”
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