PSG's Kylian Mbappe Posts 'Afraid to Win?' on IG in Response to Fans' Banner

Christopher Simpson @@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistFebruary 24, 2020

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe looks on during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Girondins de Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, on February 23, 2020. (Photo by Martin BUREAU / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)

MARTIN BUREAU/Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe has responded to a fan banner criticising him and his Paris Saint-Germain team-mates.

During Sunday's 4-3 victory over Bordeaux, PSG ultras hit out at Mbappe, Neymar and Thiago Silva following the club's 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday:

Get French Football News @GFFN
PSG's Auteuil ultras hit their own players following the performance vs Dortmund in mid-week: "Kombouaré, Gino, Raï, they had a winning mentality. Silva, Mbappé, Neymar - scared of winning? Grow some balls." (📷@bensjonathan) https://t.co/sFCGso3Yek

Mbappe responded by asking "Afraid to win?" on Instagram:

Ma-da-ra @LeSeptiemeM
🍿🍿🍿🍿 https://t.co/L7klqVeXC6

The fans' criticism comes after their Champions League hopes were left in the balance by their defeat at Dortmund.

PSG were far from their best against the German side:

OptaJean @OptaJean
2 – Paris have only attempted two shots in the 1st half against Dortmund, their worst tally at the half-time of a Champions League game since March 2017 at Barcelona (also 2). Petrified. #BVBPSG https://t.co/aqTcOi7AnD

Erling Haaland bagged two goals either side of Neymar's strike for the Parisians, which Mbappe assisted:

It's deja vu for PSG, for whom Champions League failure has become a defining trait in recent years.

They have exited the Champions League in the round of 16 for three seasons running, having not made it beyond the quarter-finals of the competition since 1995.

Criticising Mbappe in particular seems unfair, though, considering he only turned 21 in December, even if he's already a bona fide superstar:

Scouted Football @ScoutedFtbl
Kylian Mbappé has contributed to 20+ goals in each of his four full seasons in Ligue 1. • 2016–17: 15 goals and 8 assists • 2017–18: 13 goals and 8 assists • 2018–19: 33 goals and 7 assists • 2019–20: 16 goals and 4 assists Consistent excellence at just 21 years old. https://t.co/SNXndmOowE

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Since the start of the 2017-18 season, when he and Neymar arrived at the club, PSG have won seven honours, including two Ligue 1 titles.

Mbappe has been a vital component in their success, recording 85 goals and 48 assists in his 117 outings for the club.

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