Thierry Henry reveals the reason why PSG are better off WITHOUT Kylian Mbappe – despite losing ‘a bit of magic’

Thierry Henry has revealed that he believes Paris Saint-Germain are actually a “more stable” team without star striker Kylian Mbappe.

On CBS Sports Golazo, the former Arsenal striker and France captain shared his opinion on how PSG has changed since Mbappe moved to Real Madrid this summer.

“I think they’re a team,” Henry told the show’s host, Jamie Carragher. “They’re a little more stable, fewer points.” But they still lost Mbappe.’

Henry and Carragher reflected on PSG’s performance against Eredivise side PSV in the Champions League on Tuesday, which ended 1-1 at the Parc des Princes.

The 47-year-old Frenchman said the result was a fair reflection of PSG’s overall performance without Mbappe.

However, Henry, 47, says the French team is “more stable” without Mbappe

Mbappe (centre) spent six years at PSG and played 308 games across all competitions

“It’s very difficult. For example, in a game like this, Kylian can make it 2-1 or score a winning goal towards the end, a magical moment. “He can change it,” Henry said.

“You lost a little magic, but the team looks a little healthier in terms of balance. But obviously the result isn’t good enough.”

Carragher then asked if Mbappe’s departure would take the pressure off PSG coach Luis Enrique and his players, but Henry believed that would not be the case.

‘NO, [it’s] the same thing,” he told Carrager. “You decided to get rid of these guys. The way it was with the audience and everything, they decided to go young, and that’s what I called it when I was in France.

“But when you’re young, you can’t become fully young too soon.” You need a few people who can be there. Marquinhos stayed, [Achraf] Hakimi receives veteran status.

“You need people who can also help these guys get better.” I think that doesn’t mean it’s easier because Kylian Mbappe left [Luis Enrique] “I have to be disappointed with this result tonight.”

Mbappe left PSG in May after spending six years at the Parisian club between 2018 and 2024. He played a total of 308 games across all competitions and scored an incredible 256 goals.

In June, Real Madrid announced that they had signed Mbappe on a five-year contract and would wear the number 9 shirt of former Madrid striker and compatriot Karim Benzema. However, he remains in a legal dispute with PSG over outstanding wages.

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Mbappe for his work rate and goal tally so far this season – eight goals in 13 games – but drew criticism from other cornerbacks for his lack of work off the ball.

In June 2024, he signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid, fulfilling a lifelong dream

Ancelotti expressed his support for Bellingham and said he was “very happy” with his work

Henry believes the 25-year-old can achieve more and says expectations are already much higher for the Frenchman than any other player in the world.

“Is he (Mbappe) playing his best football like we saw at Paris Saint-Germain?” asked Henry. “No, he still has to learn. He needs to play better as a center forward.

“I’ll play devil’s advocate.” We always say that it takes time for a player to get used to a club. But unfortunately when you wear this jersey you don’t have much time.”