Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel welcomed Kylian Mbappe’s return to action and believes the France international should have marked his comeback against Bordeaux with a hat-trick.
Mbappe had been sidelined for over a month with a hamstring injury but was back for Saturday’s trip to the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, where he helped his side claim a 1-0 win.
Even though he did not enter the fray until the 60th minute, the 20-year-old made a major impact and, as well as helping to set up Neymar for the game’s only goal, had several opportunities of his own.
Tuchel said of Mbappe’s return on his club’s website: “He should have scored two or three goals. He had a lot of chances, and made the difference for Neymar’s goal. It’s positive, as we are lacking forwards.”
PSG’s win saw them get their title defence back on track after Wednesday’s shock 2-0 home defeat to Reims.
Neymar’s deciding goal came 20 minutes from time when Mbappe raced forward before finding the Brazil superstar, who tapped the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.
Tuchel was delighted with his side’s overall performance but felt the victory should have been far more comfortable than it was.
He added: “We played well at the end of the game, but forgot to score. We created a lot of chances, but the match was close to the end.
“It’s the only negative point, because I’m really very happy with our performance. The team’s display was really excellent, with and without the ball. It was a great performance.”
Mbappe was also pleased to be back on the pitch and is hoping for another away win when PSG go to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.
He said: “(My absence) was long, difficult too. When the team loses, you want to come back as soon as possible, but you can’t be hasty. It wasn’t easy, but it’s over.”
He added of the upcoming trip to Turkey: “I’ve worked to experience that kind of game. We’ll have to be at our best there and come back with the three points.”
