Thomas Tuchel doesn’t want Kylian Mbappe to shoulder added responsibilities in the absence of Neymar ahead of their Champions League last 16 tie against Manchester United.
Neymar has been ruled out after his foot injury in the French Cup tie against Strasbourg and is likely to be absent till April. Both Mbpappe and Neymar have been pretty prolific for the French champions but and has formed a brilliant partnership so far.
The former Barcelona forward’s absence could be a big blow for them as Tuchel has been hoping to prioritise Champions League with hopes of winning the title in his first term.
Mbappe was supposed to handle the pressure but Tuchel insists he would like to see the French teenager playing his natural game. “I usually prefer Kylian to be the finisher – when he’s our last line of attack against the opposing defence.
“He’s incredibly dangerous because of his pace and his hunger to score goals.
“I don’t want him to take on Neymar’s responsibilities of providing assists and keeping possession in the last few yards.
“We have players that are able to do it – players who can support Kylian and Edi [Cavani] and provide them with the right pass.
“Both strikers need to be the finishers, that’s the most important thing.”
