Paris Saint-Germain was without the services of Kylian Mbappe in its 1-0 Ligue 1 away loss to OGC Nice due to a yellow card suspension. Overall, PSG faced dire struggles in breaking down OGC Nice’s deep defensive setup, as it recorded a mere two total shots on target in the match.
OGC Nice manager Christophe Galtier well recognizes on just how valuable Mbappe is to PSG, which he touched on in his post-match press conference (via L’Equipe).
“In the second half we were too low, whereas with the absence of Mbappe, I wanted a higher block,” Galtier said.
“But we took four points against Paris, it compensates for points lost stupidly here and there. On the other side there are Verratti, Neymar, Di Maria, Messi… They are accompanied by other players but there is a PSG with Kylian and another without Kylian.”
Overall, Mbappe did not score in PSG’s pair of meetings against OGC Nice in their Ligue 1 encounter in the first half of the season and the Coupe de France round of 16 clash. However, the French forward did combine for four goal-scoring chances created in the contests.
For now, Mbappe is slated to return to PSG’s starting 11 in the upcoming UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg clash against Real Madrid. The Ligue 1 powerhouse heads into the fixture with a 1-0 advantage in the tie.
