Thierry Henry believes PSG are more balanced without Kylian Mbappe, but also admitted they have “lost a bit of magic” with the Frenchman’s exit.
Luis Enrique could have done with someone of Mbappe’s class in attack as he watched his Paris Saint-Germain side stumble to a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
PSG had 26 shots on goal, including 18 in the second half, but were unable to find a winner after fighting back from 1-0 down.
That result leaves PSG with work to do if they’re to qualify automatically for the round of 16.
They have four points from their opening three matches and lie in 17th place before Wednesday’s fixtures, several spots beneath the coveted top eight.
The situation is rosier in France, where PSG lead Ligue 1 after going unbeaten through their first eight games, but Henry believes Mbappe’s exit has impacted their ability to turn close encounters, such as the PSV fixture, into wins.
Stability
“I think they are a team.
“They are a bit more stable, less counters.
“But they still lost Mbappe,” the former Arsenal striker said on CBS Sports Golazo.
“It’s very difficult.
“For example in a game like that, Kylian can turn it into a 2-1 or a winning goal towards the end, a moment of magic.
“He can turn it around.
“You lost a bit of magic but the team looks a bit more sound in terms of balance.
“But obviously the result is not good enough.”
When asked by Jamie Carragher if Mbappe’s departure means less pressure for Luis Enrique and his players, Henry replied:
“No, the same.
“You decided to get rid of those guys.
“The way it was with the crowd and everything, they decided to go young and I was calling that when I was in France.
“But when you go young, you can’t go full young too early.
“You need to have a couple of guys that can be around.
“Marquinhos stayed, [Achraf] Hakimi is passing the veteran status.
“You need to have guys that can help those guys to be better also.
“It doesn’t mean that because Kylian Mbappe left it is easier, I think [Luis Enrique] has to be disappointed in that result tonight.”
Read more: Ten Hag Lauds Mourinho As Man U Prepare For Fenerbahce Clash
PSG, who are embroiled in a legal battle with their former striker, travel to in-form Marseille on Sunday.
Plans will also be underway for their next Champions League encounter, a home tie against Atletico Madrid on November 6.
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