Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Vitinha has shared his thoughts on the club’s trajectory since the departure of their talisman, Kylian Mbappé. Speaking candidly to The Times, Vitinha acknowledged the void left by Mbappé’s exit but emphasized the team’s collective growth and adaptation in the wake of his departure.

Mbappé’s Exit: A Legacy Left Behind

Mbappé, who was pivotal to PSG’s dominance in recent years, joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer. His move marked the end of a historic chapter with the Parisian club, during which he registered an astounding 256 goals and 106 assists in 308 appearances. Having been a driving force since arriving from AS Monaco in 2017, Mbappé’s departure was both a sentimental and strategic loss for PSG.

Despite the heartbreak of losing their star player, PSG have managed to maintain their Ligue 1 dominance, winning 19 of 27 matches across all competitions this season. However, they face challenges on the European front, currently sitting in a precarious 25th position in the Champions League standings.

Vitinha’s Perspective: A Shift to Teamwork

Reflecting on the changes, Vitinha was realistic yet optimistic about the club’s evolution.

“Kylian is one of the best, if not the best,” Vitinha admitted. “We knew it would be difficult. You can’t replace him directly. But you replace him with the team. That’s what we did. It takes time, but I think we’re collectively better, and we’ve shown it already.”

The Portuguese midfielder also highlighted the quality of PSG’s attack, expressing confidence that the goals will come despite occasional scoring challenges.

Opinion: Can PSG Truly Move On from Mbappé?

While Vitinha’s comments highlight a commendable spirit of adaptability, the question remains: can PSG truly thrive without a player of Mbappé’s caliber? His departure may have forced a shift from reliance on individual brilliance to a more team-oriented approach, but the road has not been without hurdles, especially in the Champions League.

The narrative of collective strength is compelling, yet PSG’s struggles in Europe suggest that a definitive solution to Mbappé’s absence is still a work in progress. Luis Enrique’s tactical expertise will be crucial in solidifying this new chapter for PSG, as will the performances of forwards like Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembélé, and Randal Kolo Muani.

A Balanced Outlook

While PSG’s Ligue 1 form suggests resilience, their European form underscores the lingering impact of losing a generational talent. Vitinha’s optimism reflects a team striving to redefine itself, but whether this collective effort will translate into success on all fronts remains to be seen. For now, PSG fans can find solace in their domestic dominance while hoping for a revival in Europe.

The post-Mbappé era is undoubtedly a challenge, but it is also an opportunity—one that could redefine PSG’s identity as more than just a club built around a single superstar.