Paris Saint-Germain coach Christopher Galtier says Kylian Mbappe was like an "orphan" without Lionel Messi and Neymar on the pitch against Stade de Reims.
The Ligue 1 champions dropped points for the second time this season after being held to a goalless draw, despite playing the second with 10 men after Sergio Ramos' sending off.
Messi missed out through injury, while Neymar was only introduced just after the hour mark after replacing Carlos Solher.
Ten-man PSG failed to extend lead in Ligue 1
"Kylian Mbappé was a bit like an orphan without Leo and Ney, as I suspected. I thought that might change as the game went on. Ney didn't start the match because he has played a lot recently," Galtier told L'Equipe.
"Obviously, when he came on, we saw how good a relationship they have and that is why our second-half performance was better despite us being down to 10 men."
"Unfortunately, Ney was a little bit off the mark in one-on-one situations. Kylian was up against a goalkeeper who made a decisive save. That is what it comes down to, even if we can't be satisfied with that."
Galtier was also not pleased that Ramos was given his marching orders just before the halftime break.
"I'm sure that Sergio didn't mean to insult the referee. He used an expression that I hear hundreds of times all week on the pitch, that we also hear in the Championship. When we are angry, we say things, but it is an expression. I think the referee took it personally," he added.
"But knowing how it goes, I had the same problem with José Fonte in Lille. The referee took it as an insult against him whereas it is an expression that is often said on the pitch."
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