Donnarumma indicates ‘edge’ for Man City in absence of Kylian Mbappé
MADRID — Gianluigi Donnarumma stated that it is an “advantage” for Manchester City that Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappé for their Champions League round-of-16 first-leg match.
Mbappé missed training on Tuesday and is expected to be unavailable when City faces off against Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
The French forward is the leading scorer in this season’s Champions League, having netted 13 goals, and he recorded a hat-trick against City when Pep Guardiola’s team was eliminated from the tournament in the playoffs last year.
Donnarumma, who played alongside Mbappé during his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain, remarked that he anticipates a less challenging evening with the striker confirmed to be in the stands.
“I have had the privilege of playing with Kylian, and he is one of the most extraordinary players globally,” Donnarumma mentioned at a news conference on Tuesday. “He possesses great talent, and as a top goalkeeper, not having to face such players can be beneficial.
“I will have less to do, but the players who will step in for him are also champions. We are up against Real Madrid, a squad filled with champions, so we must maintain the same level of focus.
“I am a close friend of his, and I hope he returns soon and is prepared for the second leg because he deserves it.”
Donnarumma is a current Champions League champion after winning the title with PSG last season.
The 27-year-old joined the Etihad Stadium in the summer, and after six months at City, he expressed confidence that his new club is a contender for the trophy.
“I believe there are several teams that can reach the final,” he stated. “There are many formidable teams, challenging teams. If we reflect on last season, prior to the last 16, no one considered PSG to be strong contenders, but circumstances can shift.
“It hinges on timing. At this moment, we are about to engage in matches where you either advance or get eliminated. Every single detail could be crucial.
“Details are paramount. Many teams are in contention. We aim to progress to the end, but there are very strong teams that will pursue the same goal.”
