Mbappe needs to improve in order to be part of new era at PSG – Pochettino says

As part of his new era getting launched at Paris Saint-Germain, Mauricio Pochettino says Kylian Mbappe “needs to be improved.”

At Parc des Princes, the Argentinian was given the reins, with the job of bringing the long-awaited Champions League glory in the French capital to the former Tottenham boss.

With the 22-year-old being a talismanic figure in a star-studded team, World Cup winner Mbappe will have a leading role to play in the search.

However, as Pochettino’s first game at the helm ended in a 1-1 draw with Saint-Etienne, he did draw a blank and his new manager admits that more of the frontman is needed, especially as Neymar is nursing a knock.

“Like everyone else, Kylian needs to improve,” Pochettino said of Mbappe, who was linked with a move elsewhere. As we did not win, he should feel sad and he can still do better. His attitude was fine, though. I’m pleased with what he’s been doing.

Pochettino has been in the process of transmitting his message to PSG, a committee appointed to replace the ousted Thomas Tuchel, and club captain Marquinhos admits that it will take time for a new approach to achieve the desired effect.

The international Brazilian told the official website of the club: “Changes? Yeah, it’s changed, it’s natural, but you can’t change it all at once.”

On Saturday, PSG will return to action at home in Brest, with an uneven 2020-21 campaign leaving the reigning champions second in Ligue 1, three points behind the Lyon leaders.