Luis Enrique has once again shown he won’t bow to Kylian Mbappe’s star status by benching the striker for their latest Ligue 1 match.
However, the Spaniard’s decision was almost instantly shown up as Reims, managed by Englishman Will Still, took a sixth minute lead through Marshall Munetsi, and later shared the points in a 2-2 draw.
2
The decision comes after Mbappe stunned in the Champions League, scoring two world-class strikes against Real Sociedad to book Paris Saint Germain’s place in the quarter finals.
Yet despite his European heroics, Luis Enrique has continued to crack the whip on Mbappe domestically after senior sources told a number of outlets that the 25-year-old has decided to leave at the end of his contract this summer.
In PSG’s two previous league matches, Mbappe was withdrawn in the 65th minute against Rennes, and then half-time against Monaco, despite no injury on either occasion.
This time, he only made his way onto the pitch in the 73rd minute, and failed to make an impact.
read more on kylian mbappe
Explaining his decisions after the earlier draws, Luis Enrique said: “We need to learn to play without him sooner or later,” with Mbappe almost certain to join Real Madrid.
Before the Real Sociedad game, the manager openly laughed at repeated questions about Mbappe, and even said: “Of course, why not?” when asked if he’d reduce the superstar’s minutes again in Europe.
Yet despite them appearing at odds, it seems like things aren’t too intense behind the scenes.
After the Champions League win, the pair were seen having a warm embrace, before Mbappe told the media: “I have no problem with the coach. Everything is good with him. I have problems but the manager isn’t one of them.”
2
Those good vibes continued despite more time on the bench, with Mbappe in good spirits laughing and joking with his teammates during the match against Reims.
In reality, whether or not Mbappe starts in Ligue 1 is becoming less relevant with PSG possessing a ten-point league lead.
Most read in Football
But in Europe, which remains the Holy Grail for the club, both Paris and Mbappe put in one of their best knockout performances against Real Sociedad, and if that continues there will be few complaints about how the manager has handled things.