Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé has sometimes played as the No. 9, which is a position he doesn’t like to play. It’s why the capital brought in Gonçalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani.
Against FC Nantes and possibly Borussia Dortmund, there’s the possibility that the 24-year-old could play as a striker. Still, manager Luis Enrique clarified that Mbappé has freedom in his tactical plan.
“No, Kylian played like he has been playing all season, with total freedom in attack,” Enrique told reporters (h/t Culture PSG). “In defense, he has certain instructions, like all his teammates. But in attack, he is free; he can take one side or the other, play between the lines, and occupy the false nine zones: Kylian has total freedom.
“We compensate for our mobility by adapting the positioning of our teammates. He played the match [against Le Havre] like in all our other matches.”
In a must-win contest against the German side, perhaps the Spanish boss doesn’t start Mbappé as the No. 9. However, if PSG has to chase the game to secure all three points, maybe Enrique puts the winger in the striker role as a tactical adjustment in the second half.
The game against Dortmund is one where every player knows what’s at stake, and they need to win, regardless of how it gets done. If Mbappé has to play striker to clinch a spot in the knockout stages, then it’s probably a decision he’ll understand.