France manager Didier Deschamps has defended Kylian Mbappe from criticism of his performance in the Champions League final, while also taking aim at Ligue 1 over a controversial fixture change.
Mbappe struggled to make an impact in Paris Saint-German’s 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, completing just 11 passes and having fewer touches than any other PSG starter – including goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The 21-year-old’s participation in the Champions League had been in doubt after an ankle injury sustained in the Coupe de France final, but he returned to play a key role in his side’s quarter-final comeback against Atalanta.