PSG boss Emery lauds ´great´ Mbappe after Monaco return

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery insisted Kylian Mbappe had a “great match”, despite his wasteful performance against former club Monaco.

Mbappe struggled in front of goal as PSG moved clear in the Ligue 1 title race with a 2-1 win over reigning champions Monaco on Sunday.

Returning to the Stade Louis II for the first time since joining PSG on an initial loan deal, Mbappe – who scored 26 goals in all competitions last season – wasted four clear-cut chances before he deflected in a late consolation for Monaco.

Emery, though, was pleased with the 18-year-old France international following his emotional outing.

“For me, Mbappe made a great match,” Emery said. 

“The most important thing is to create opportunities. But it’s true that if he had scored his chances, he would have made a perfect match. 

“What he has experienced [returning to his former club] is important for the emotion. Next time he will be quieter.”

11′ It’s been an active start for @KMbappe and PSG #ASMPSG pic.twitter.com/F2oUbxiS28

— PSG English (@PSG_English) November 26, 2017

Edinson Cavani and Neymar led the way for visiting PSG, the former opening the scoring in the 19th minute before the world’s most expensive player doubled the lead via the penalty spot seven minutes into the second half.

Cavani and Neymar were embroiled in an on-field spat over penalty and free-kick taking duties during PSG’s 2-0 victory over Lyon in Ligue 1 on September 18.

But Neymar was handed penalty duties as decided by Emery and the former Barcelona forward made no mistake from the spot against Monaco.

On Neymar’s penalty, Emery said: “It is in the normality of things. First the players must respect the decision of the coach. Then they can understand each other in the field. We know the players who are able to shoot the penalties. Neymar is capable.”

Emery added: “We are happy for the three points. We won at the champions. It’s good. 

“The team produced a lot in attack but need to improve their finishing. If this win makes sense, it should have been with a bigger difference in goals. We also wanted to not concede a goal against a team that scores a lot. We did not succeed. But we have shown that this season we are stronger.”