Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) head coach Christophe Galtier has praised Kylian Mbappe for his selflessness and admitted that Neymar deserved his yellow card in the mock match against Strasbourg.
Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain edged out 19th-placed Strasbourg 2-1 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night (December 28). Marquinhos scored with a header in the 14th minute, but unfortunately an own goal was disallowed in the 51st minute.
Neymar was sent off for a second time in the 62nd minute, the first for a foul on Adrian Thomasson and the second for a simulated foul.
10 days after his hat-trick in the World Cup final, Kylian Mbappé sealed the title for PSG in the 95th minute 💥 https://t.co/suCfUaiykI
Despite having 10 players in the game, the Parisians still won thanks to Mbappe’s 96th-minute penalty.
In his post-match press conference, coach Galtier was asked to comment on Neymar’s save in the Strasbourg penalty area. He acknowledged that the Brazilian deserved the mock yellow, but claimed the first one was too harsh.
“As far as I understand the simulation, he deserves the yellow [card]a few minutes before he suffered a serious foul, his first yellow card was very serious compared to the number of fouls Ney had suffered,” the PSG manager said (h/t Planet Sport).
“Strasbourg were a team that played very well but also exuded a lot of strength and power. The game had a lot of impact. I regret that there were not tougher sanctions for overcommitment of certain players . That might frustrate Ney a bit.”
Galtier then praised Mbappe for his unselfishness, claiming he had delivered a stunning performance world cup form to club football.
“I think he’s at the level he did in Qatar. He’s benefited a lot from a few days off. Despite the sadness, he played a phenomenal game and his recovery means he’s been improving,” Galtier said. Speaking of the French international.
“Since he came back, he has made up his mind to play our next two games. In difficult times, he is the fuse of victory. He taught the whole team with his selfless spirit.”
Mbappe scored eight goals in seven games, including three in the final, to win the 2022 FIFA Golden Boot Argentina. Despite his valor, France can’t overcome Lionel MessiArgentina lost 4-2 on penalties.
Neymar was PSG’s best player before he was sent off for diving
Brazil international Neymar was in fine form before being sent off against Strasbourg. He cooperated seamlessly with Mbappe and others, created multiple scoring opportunities, and brought the ball well into the danger zone of the pitch. Strasbourg had a hard time controlling him, fouling him time and time again.
Before being sent off in the 62nd minute, Neymar completed 3 key passes, created 2 lore chances, completed 3 dribbles and committed a staggering 6 fouls. Had he not gone unnecessarily, PSG could have delivered a more convincing win over relegation-threatened Strasbourg on Wednesday.
Neymar will miss Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 game against second-placed Lens on Sunday (January 1) due to an indirect red card.
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