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Kylian Mbappe makes apparent dig at Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier with Instagram post over France superstar’s role in the team
Kylian Mbappe appeared to fire shots at coach Christophe Galtier in an Instagram post late on Saturday night.
The 23-year-old was part of the Paris Saint-Germain side that played out a goalless draw with Reims with the star squandering a number of chances to break the deadlock.
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Sergio Ramos was dismissed shortly before half-time after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession for remonstrating with the referee.
Galtier opted to rest Lionel Messi and also left Neymar on the bench, meaning Mbappe was supported in attack by Spanish duo Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia.
The World Cup winner was again used at the spearhead of the attack - a role he doesn't seem to be fully embracing.
Mbappe had recently suggested that he enjoys more freedom with the French national side than he does for PSG because he is able to play in a wider role.
During the international break he said: "I play differently [with France]. I am asked other things here compared to with my club. I have a lot more freedom here.
"The coach knows that there is a No.9 like Olivier [Giroud] who occupies the defences and I can walk around and go into space. In Paris, it's different, there isn't that. I am asked to do the pivot, it is different."
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Mbappe cut a frustrated figure during the stalemate at Reims, adding fuel to the fire that he is unhappy with his current role in the team.
His annoyance was confirmed after the final whistle when he posted a picture of himself with the hashtag 'pivot gang', likely in reference to his displeasure at the role.
Surprisingly, at the time of writing, the controversial post was still showing on his Instagram stories.
It is unclear whether Mbappe was given assurances that his position would change this season with Galtier implementing a change in formation.
PSG's summer pursuits of new West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca and loan signing Hugo Ekitike suggest Mbappe was set to play alongside a central striker this season.
But the sensational form of Neymar has thrown a spanner in the works with Galtier unable to drop any of the club's three attacking superstars.
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After the game, Galtier referred to Mbappe as an 'orphan' in attack without Messi and Neymar.
"When Messi or Neymar don’t start obviously that changes the way we play and can lead to us maybe losing balls that lead to a few jitters and hand confidence to the opposition," the PSG boss told reporters.
"Kylian Mbappe was a bit like an orphan without Leo and Ney, as I suspected. I thought that might change as the game went on.
"Ney didn’t start the match because he has played a lot recently. Obviously, when he came on we saw how good a relationship they have and that is why our second-half performance was better despite us being down to ten men."
Galtier will be hoping Mbappe can once again find his shooting boots when Benfica visit the Parc des Princes on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League Group H clash.
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