Thomas Tuchel had the perfect response to Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane’s out-of-line comments regarding Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé.
On Monday, Zidane spoke to the media ahead of the match between PSG and Madrid and stated that he’s “been in love with him [Mbappé] for a long time, but as a person first” as reported by ESPN.
Tuchel, who has had to endure months of comments regarding his player from Real Madrid exxecutives and players, handled the comments much better than I would.
During his pre-match press conference, the German was quoted as saying, “I do not know in what way or how much Zinedine Zidane is in love with Kylian, but the most important thing is that he is our player. Often, we love lots of things that we ultimately cannot have.”
More Tuchel on Mbappe: "I do not know in what way or how much Zinedine Zidane is in love with Kylian, but the most important thing is that he is our player. Often, we love lots of things that we ultimately cannot have." #UCL
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) November 25, 2019
Tuchel then went on to call out Zidane for not speaking about Kylian when the two were together in Geneva:
Tuchel: "I was in Geneva with Zidane 2 weeks ago. We did not discuss Kylian. If a question is asked about Kylian, he is French — what can he say? Everyone knows he loves Kylian, like many coaches. I am not upset." #UCL
— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) November 25, 2019
PSG’s manager comes out of this exchange looking much smarter and level-headed while Zidane, who is more decorated as a manager, comes across as desperate and unprofessional.
Ultimately, it’s what happens on the pitch that speaks loudest and Tuchel will be hoping for another fantastic performance from his squad as they travel to Real Madrid in an important UEFA Champions League match.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
