Kylian Mbappe pledges support to Ligue 1 rivals Lyon, ahead of Champions League clash against Barcelona

After a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has called for the French teams to go as far as they can in the UEFA Champions League and said he will support their league rivals Olympique Lyonnais against FC Barcelona when the two sides meet next week for their Round of 16 first leg tie at the Lyon Olympic Stadium.

In his post-match interview, Mbappe told RMC, “We need people to support us. We are going to support Lyon next week. We need French football to go as far as possible. We need to stop being scared because we are good!”

Although the 20-year-old did not hit the levels he has set in the past yet he was successful in leaving his mark on the tie when he slotted a Di Maria low cross past David De Gea in the 60th minute crushing the Red Devils’ hopes. Neymar Jr. and Edinson Cavani were absent due to injuries as PSG slotted two away goals at Old Trafford and the French youngster said people have nothing to worry about the injuries to the star players. 

“We need to stop with the scare stories. People need to stop being afraid, Of course, Neymar is hugely important and Cavani is fundamental to us, but football is played on the pitch and we showed that today.” he said. The Brazillian is reportedly out of action for next two months but the Uruguayan striker could make a comeback in their return leg on March 6.

Mbappe equalled the tally of Brazillian Ronaldo with 14 goals in 24 games and he is only 20 years old. The World Cup winner wasn’t particularly content after their two-goal triumph away from home and believes the tie is still at the half time. “We are happy, but it’s only half-time in the tie and we need to continue preparing well, because I think in the last 20 minutes we dropped off a bit physically”, he said after the match.

Messi and Co. will travel to Lyon next week as favourites for the first leg of the Round of 16 of the European Club competition but Lyon, who defeated Manchester City at the Etihad earlier in the group stages and PSG ten days back in the league, have all the capabilities to emerge as a dark horse against the mighty Catalans.