- Mbappe aims apparent dig at Galtier
- Unhappy with role against Reims
- Messi was injured for Ligue 1 clash
WHAT HAPPENED? The French star appeared unhappy about being deployed as a lone striker and uploaded a cryptic Instagram story where he used the hashtag 'Pivot gang'. The French media have suggested this is a dig at Galtier, as Mbappe has previously hinted that he prefers to play off another forward.
![Kylian Mbappe Instagram](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt24f7dfcf085947d8/Screenshot_20221009-115918_2.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT THEY SAID: After the match, Galtier said: "Kylian was affected by Leo [Messi's] and Neymar's absence. I thought that as the match progressed, the connection was going to be made. Ney didn't start the game because he's been playing a lot lately.
"As soon as he came on, we improved. It made for a more interesting second half as we were outnumbered. Unfortunately, he lacked a bit of accuracy in his finishing. Kylian had a shot saved by the goalkeeper."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Lionel Messi was ruled out of the game due to a calf problem while Neymar was left on the bench until the 57th minute. In their absence, Pablo Sarabia and Carlos Soler were included in the starting lineup and they operated just behind Mbappe.
AND WHAT'S MORE: This is not the first time that Mbappe has hinted at his disapproval of Galtier's tactics. During the international break he highlighted that compared to PSG, he is more comfortable playing for France alongside a No.9 like Olivier Giroud who allows Mbappe to operate freely.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
![Kylian Mbappe Reims](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/bltd9055db740ce9473/mbappe.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
![Christophe Galtier](https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt8d757b013c58d426/galtier.jpg?format=pjpg&auto=webp&width=3840&quality=60)
WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE? Mbappe will be next in action for PSG in their Champions League group stage tie against Benfica on Tuesday.