Football
ESPN staff 6y

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe: It wasn't easy as central striker

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe said he was frustrated with his performance as a central striker despite creating his side's last-ditch winner in a 2-1 victory at Dijon on Saturday.

Mbappe missed two great chances and said he felt playing in a role he had not occupied recently had hindered him.

The 18-year-old, playing as a striker in the absence of Edinson Cavani, told reporters: "I tried to get my goals, but I missed many chances.

"It was not an ideal match and it was not easy because I have not played in this position for a long time.

"Usually, Edinson plays in this position and he has had it throughout the year. He wasn't here this time, and sometimes I will have to play in this position.

"But on Wednesday [at Anderlecht in the Champions League], I will be back on the right and that suits me well.

"I will work and train hard, because it was not good."

Mbappe made the late winner for defender Thomas Meunier, who scored his second of the game just minutes after Benjamin Jeannot looked to have earned Dijon a point with a stunning 30-yard volley.

The teenager said it had been "a crazy end to the game," adding: "Dijon got the goal of the year, but then it was us who score in the last seconds."

He said PSG "cannot always make a show" and explained: "The international breaks are trying, yes, but we are happy to go and serve our countries. It is part of the job.

"It is up to us to adapt and give the best of ourselves, but playing at your peak in this situation is unusual."

And Mbappe praised Dijon, saying: "They did everything they could and put us in trouble.

"In the end we leave with three points but we congratulate them for their performance. We will have to expect that on all our away trips."

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