Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Kylian Mbappé has said his side is still confident they can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund in Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal second leg.
Niclas Füllkrug’s goal gave Dortmund the advantage in the first leg last week, but Mbappé believes PSG has what it takes to come back and reach the final at Wembley on June 1 as they chase a first Champions League title.
“We’re confident that we’ll come back from that score and reach the final,” Mbappé said at a children’s event with his “Inspired by KM” organisation.
“There’s a lot of pressure, which is normal because there’s a place in the Champions League final at stake, which is very important. Especially when you consider the club’s record in the competition.
“We’re aware of the pressure, but the group is extremely calm. We’re confident that we’ll come back from that score and reach the final.
“I’ve often had the same warning from the children. I’ve heard a lot of ‘You’ve got to win!’ And they’re right, we have to win.
“In any case, a day like this is good for the development of the man I am. And I’m sure I’ll arrive at the match in a good mood, ready to defend my team’s colours and help us qualify for the final.”
Coach Luis Enrique shares Mbappé’s confidence, but also called on the 25-year-old to work hard at both ends of the pitch.
“As we are a team, we ask the attackers to help make sure few balls reach the defence,” Luis Enrique said.
“We are all a team and everyone plays a part. Even world-class stars have to help defend. That is the only sentence I know in French, ‘on va gagner,’ we are going to win.
“It is a sentence I like, and I always think my team will win, so that is what I say.”