Wednesday – 15 Shaaban 1444 AH – 08 March 2023 CE Issue Number [16171]
Paris: «Asharq Al-Awsat»
Armed with his new record as the best scorer in the history of Paris Saint-Germain (201 goals), striker Kylian Mbappe finds himself in a high form before the expected match in the German home of Bayern Munich today, in the second leg of the eighth final of the Champions League competition.
The fans of the “Parc des Princes” stadium celebrated their star as an emperor, following the scoring festival for his team ended in front of Nantes 4-2, to succeed in overcoming the barrier of 200 goals in the Parisian club shirt, breaking the previous record of Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani.
Mbappe, the hero of that evening, said: “The celebration made me think immediately of the Bayern match. I took advantage of the moment with the fans, but I must move quickly to something else … The goal is clear, we want to go there (Allianz Arena) in order to qualify, we have a lot. Of confidence, but also humility, we are facing a big team, but we are Paris Saint-Germain, and we will play to qualify.
And the Parisian club needs all its stars, specifically Mbappe. In order to compensate for his 0-1 loss in the first leg, knowing that the striker of the “roosters” team participated in the last half hour of the match following being away from the stadiums due to injury, to score a goal that was canceled by the referee on the grounds of offside.
Two years ago, the top scorer of the Qatar World Cup (8 goals) unleashed his speed once morest the giants of Bavaria in a charming 3-2 victory at the “Allianz Arena” behind closed doors in front of the fans due to the repercussions of the “Corona” virus, and under the snow in the final eighth round of the main continental competition. At that time, Mbappe scored two goals and Saint-Germain qualified for the second leg, despite losing 0-1 in the first leg, thanks to the preference for away goals, which are no longer approved in the new system of European competitions. The Parisian fans hope that Mbappe will be able to strike a new blow to Bayern, as he has regained his level and effectiveness since his return from injury, as in addition to entering a substitute in the first leg for half an hour, he scored 5 goals in 3 matches, including a brace once morest Marseille (3 – zero). In the 25th stage of the league.
His teammate and rival, Bayern Munich winger, Kingsley Coman, praised Mbappe’s performance, saying: “When Kylian is present, he can make the difference. Of course Saint-Germain will be stronger with him.
And with the continued absence of Neymar due to an ankle injury he suffered, who was brilliant two years ago in the home and away matches once morest Bayern Munich, the danger comes from the duo; Argentine world champions Lionel Messi and Mbappe scored 5 goals in the World Cup finals in Russia and Qatar (2 in 2018 and 3 in 2022).
Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier found some balance with this attacking duo and a triple defense, while he is well aware that the success of the style of play depends greatly on the “Bondy arrow”.
He said, “It is exceptional to have a player like Mbappe. In my opinion, he is the best player in the world.” And he added, “Our fans, as well as people who love French football, should appreciate the fact that there is such a player in our tournament.”
Mbappe, who scored his country’s hat-trick in a 4-2 loss to Argentina on penalties following they tied 3-3 in the Qatar World Cup final, presents a level befitting a holder of the Golden Ball, which “is always one of the goals for players of my category,” says the concerned person, and continues: “The Ballon d’Or remains firmly in a corner of my head, but it is not the priority at the moment.”
Nor is it time to talk regarding extending Mbappe’s contract in the Parisian capital, which extends until 2024, while the war will surely rage once more with the approaching end of the partnership between the two parties a year before the deadline.
The Munich match will not decide Mbappe’s future with his team, as the player himself confirmed, saying: “If I link my future to the Champions League, it will be an underestimation of the club.”
And in the midst of the celebrations for his 201st goal in the Paris Saint-Germain shirt, Mbappe sent a message to those wishing to sign him: “I am here, I am very happy, and at the present time I cannot think of anything else but to achieve achievements with Paris Saint-Germain. From the Bayern stadium.
