“All players can be stopped” - Ex-PSG coach tells Xavi and Barcelona how they can stop Kylian Mbappe in Champions League tie
Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Luis Fernandez has given Barcelona tips on stopping Kylian Mbappe in their upcoming Champions League quarterfinal matchup. Fernandez claimed that when legends like Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini were stopped, the former AS Monaco star was no different.
Speaking to SPORT, Fernandez stated that Xavi needs his players to read the game properly and stick to the basics to stop Mbappe. He added that they need not do anything special for the forward and said:
"Can Mbappé be stopped? All players can be stopped. I have played with soccer players like Zidane and Platini who were very big and stopped them. They didn't make a difference in all the matches. There is a game reading that is done, when you play against these footballers, the rival coach always has a plan to stop him And if everyone does things right, these types of players can be stopped."
Kylian Mbappe has stated that he is ready to face Barcelona this week. He added that PSG vs Barca was a match for big names to shine and he was keen on doing well.
Xavi believes Kylian Mbappe's PSG are favorites against Barcelona
Barcelona manager Xavi has claimed PSG to be favorites in their upcoming clash in the UEFA Champions League. He believes that the French side have done well in recent times and the financial backing has made them stronger.
He told the media last week:
"Perhaps the favorite role would lean more towards PSG. Beyond the history of both teams, considering we have more Champions League titles than them, the economic situation is not the same when you look at what they have spent this season compared to us."
He added:
"It's a very tough opponent, one of the most difficult ones we could have faced. I know Luis Enrique; he's a brilliant coach, and his teams are very well prepared. They are one of the worst opponents we could have drawn, but we have enthusiasm and hope to have a great quarter-final. It's two games, and the home leg is a positive point for us."
Kylian Mbappe's PSG host Barcelona in the first leg on Wednesday, April 10. They travel to Spain for the second leg on April 16.