‘We know how to react’ – Mbappe promises PSG will bounce back from Manchester United loss

Kylian Mbappe says Paris Saint-Germain will bounce back from their opening night disappointment against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Last season’s runners-up suffered a shock 2-1 loss at Parc des Princes last weekend, with a late Marcus Rashford goal the difference.

PSG found themselves in the crosshairs of critics after a lacklustre display, but Mbappe says his side are ready to respond.

"It's not the first time that we've lost the first match of the group stage. We know how to react,” he told the club's official website ahead of Wednesday’s match against Istanbul Basaksehir.

“The matches succeed each other quickly and we'll try to win in Istanbul in order to honour the shirt and the club. All matches are important, but when you play every two or three days, it remains difficult, even if you are the biggest competitor."

The beginning of the season has been challenging for PSG, who have suffered from injuries and Covid-19 infections, and the World Cup winner admits it has been tricky.

"The start of the season was difficult physically, but above all mentally, as we had no time to prepare. We came back from the final at the end of August, then headed off to link up with our national sides, while others had Covid,” he said. 

“It was unique. It's a unique year and we have to adapt to it, but mentally it's difficult to get back on it. In my mind, and there are several of us who feel this, it's not a new season. It's as if last season has just continued. For me, we are at the 60th match of the season, and not the ninth match of the new season.

“Normally, after the final of the Champions League, whether you win or lose, you head off on holiday, or you have an international competition and then head on holiday. Whatever happens, you take a break from football, you recharge your batteries in order to be effective and you prepare for the new season.

"Here, we lost the final and we had to play again straight away. 

“Me, I love playing, I love this sport, I love always being on the field, so you won't here me complaining about having matches to play. To say that it's not easy to deal with isn't a complaint, it's a statement."

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old has indicated that he is not the finished article yet, despite being regarded as one of the stars of the game.

"It's not perfect, I am not perfect,” he said. “There are matches where I've not been good, but I'm continuing to progress. 

“I also think you need to play with the others. You don't win games on your own, and that's the most important thing in a team sport. It's not perfect yet as I'm a forward and a forward, when it comes to it, is taught to be egotistical and in his bubble. It's a very special position and I know it's difficult to understand the mentality of a forward. 

“I'm working on myself and I know that to win a game we all need to work together, and knowing how to make others shine is just as important as shining oneself. It's really something that I'm in the process of learning.

“It's all a question of making the right choices and I'm in this phase, where I'm still learning to make the right choices.”

PSG moved to the top of Ligue 1 for the first time this season at the weekend, leading Lille on goal difference.