Ronald Koeman aims savage Newcastle swipe at Kylian Mbappe after Champions League defeat

Kylian Mbappe failed to make an impact in Paris Saint-Germain’s heavy defeat at Newcastle United and this performance attracted the attention of Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman

Ronald Koeman has dug out Kylian Mbappe for his display in the defeat at Newcastle United ahead of the Netherlands’ encounter with France. The World Cup winner is currently on international duty, but has not scored in his last four appearances for the Ligue 1 champions.

Mbappe failed to make an impact at St James’ Park in the recent Champions League encounter as Paris Saint-Germain fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat. The forward widely touted as the world’s best player was unable to rouse a response from the visitors as Eddie Howe’s side enjoyed a memorable night and moved top of Group F.

Mbappe has already registered eight goals in all competitions for PSG, and is expected to feature for the World Cup runners-up in their Euro 2024 qualifying clash in Amsterdam on Friday night. Koeman talked up the challenge facing the Netherlands, but made a quip about the superstar forward’s display on Tyneside little over a week ago.

Koeman initially told reporters ‘the highest achievement tomorrow would be beating France. Why not’? The declaration drew a response from a reporter who ‘because they are much further than your team is’, which led the former Barcelona boss to declare ‘I saw Newcastle play against PSG, and Mbappe played in that game’.

Mbappe will make his 72nd appearance for France if selected, with the 24-year-old already scoring 40 goals for his country. PSG will have the chance to gain revenge when they host the Magpies on November 28 in their penultimate group fixture.