The Argentine coach hopes to bring out the best of the French international ahead of his first home game over the Ligue 1 champions
Mauricio Pochettino wants Kylian Mbappe’s “special player” to enjoy himself on the pitch, which could help him regain his best form.
Mbappe has 12 goals in 14 Ligue 1 games this season but has not been at the height of his powers amid shooting concerns. The French international went almost a full year without a score in the Champions League before ending his dry spell in the tournament with a double in a group stage win against Basaksehir last month .
Pochettino warned the 22-year-old he needs to improve after Paris Saint-Germain held on to a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne in the first game over the head coach on Wednesday.
Ahead of facing Brest in his first home game since replacing Thomas Tuchel on Saturday, Pochettino was asked if Mbappe’s forward was still looking tired.
“It’s a question of a particular player,” Pochettino said of Mbappe, who is in talks to renew his contract beyond 2022 amid potential profitability he could move forward.
“He came back in good shape after the break, with a very good state of mind.
“He is the ultimate winner in the tree. We hope he has fun and finds the achievement he is capable of.”
Returning to the Parc des Princes, where he played from 2001 to 2003, an event that former Tottenham boss Pochettino – who will again be without star Neymar – is looking forward to.
“This is going to be a special night and a joy, yes, 20 years after wearing this jersey,” he said.
“Unfortunately there will be no supporters, it’s a shame and that will be needed.
“Anyway, we talked about it among ourselves and with our families: we think we’ve been here for a year, but it’s only been five or six days!”
PSG champions Ligue 1 dominate three points behind regular leaders Lyon after 18 games. After Saturday ‘s draw with Brest, Pochettino’ s side will take on Marseille in the French Super Cup on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Angers in the league three days later.