Galtier praises Mbappe for swift return to PSG training

Kylian Mbappe sent out a ‘strong signal to everyone’ by shunning a 10-day break and returning to training just 64 hours after France’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat, insists PSG boss Christophe Galtier

• Kylian Mbappe was on the losing side in the World Cup final on Sunday
• He was given the chance to have 10 days off by PSG after the defeat
• However, Mbappe decided to return to training just 64 hours later 
• PSG boss Christophe Galtier has hailed Mbappe for getting back into training 

PSG boss Christophe Galtier believes Kylian Mbappe made a big statement by returning to training less than three days after France lost the World Cup final against Argentina.

Mbappe became just the second men’s player ever to score a hat-trick in the final, and also scored from the spot in the penalty shootout, but France fell just short in their quest to win back-to-back World Cups.

Mbappe was offered the chance to have 10 days off to recover from his exploits in Qatar, but chose to go back to his club just 64 hours after Sunday’s dramatic final. Galtier has been impressed by Mbappe’s commitment, and praised the forward’s mentality.

Kylian Mbappe returned to PSG training on Wednesday after playing in the World Cup final

Mbappe’s return to training came just 64 hours after France lost to Argentina on penalties

‘I’m very happy to see him. Kylian had a great World Cup. This return is also a strong signal to everyone,’ Galtier told PSG TV.

‘A player who may have been disappointed not to lift the most beautiful of trophies, even if he was top scorer at this World Cup [with eight goals]. 

‘He wanted to get back in contact with the group very quickly and prepare for the deadlines which are coming up very quickly. We are very, very happy to see him.’

Mbappe signed a lucrative new contract with PSG in May but there have been reports linking him with a move away from the French capital after not seeing eye-to-eye with Galtier.

PSG boss Christophe Galtier has praised Mbappe for returning to training so quickly

The 24-year-old aimed a dig at Galtier in October after becoming unhappy at being used as a centre-forward, and the PSG manager was subsequently forced to rubbish rumours that Mbappe wanted to leave in January.

Mbappe played almost exclusively on the left of France’s front three during the World Cup, and shone in that position, which could lead to Galtier using him there more often moving forward.

Mbappe’s swift return indicates that his focus is not an issue right now, and that he is determined to get back out on the pitch for PSG as quickly as possible.

The French champions return to action when they host Strasbourg on December 28. 

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