The relationship between the two is going through a critical moment that has reached a fever pitch during the last week.
The relationship between the two is going through a critical moment that has reached a fever pitch during the last week.
The relationship between Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappé has boiled over the last week. First, for the match against Dortmund, in which the Asturian coach, fearful of elimination, ordered the PSG players to slow down, while the Frenchman wanted to lead a small dissidence when he considered that finishing first in the group, even Being aware that a rival goal would eliminate them from the Champions League, it was the best option for the team. Second, because of the forward’s position on the field.
Afterwards, both of them had an exchange of words in which the strong ego of the two could lead to a dispute that did not go any further. Luis Enrique defended his position two days later, ensuring that slowing down in Dortmund was, without a doubt, “one of the best decisions of his career”, understanding, in turn, the frustration of Mbappé, who disagreed with his decision. coach.
Days later, in Lille, in a momentous match, PSG tied 1-1 against the northern team, thanks to a goal in the last minute by Jonathan David. Before, with a penalty, Mbappé had scored 0-1, but his non-existent celebration, showing indifference, could be interpreted as a declaration of intentions, whether due to his position on the field, as ‘9’, or because he was not comfortable in Luis Enrique’s system.
After the tie at the Pierre Mauroy, Luis Enrique was asked about the Frenchman’s mood, in addition to his reference position. The former Spanish coach, forcefully, added that “Mbappé plays where he decides”, in addition to throwing a hint regarding his supposed frustration, arguing that he did not have the “power to do so.” A message that was interpreted, according to the statements, as an extolment of the power that Mbappé holds on the team.
The Mbappe debate
The talent of Bondy, the undisputed top scorer in the French League, with 16 goals in 16 games, already starred in a similar episode last season. His coach at that time, Galtier, decided to place him as 9, generating a debate in which Mbappé made irony on social networks (the famous #PivotGang) and with which he acknowledged, in a match with France, that he felt much more comfortable with a reference ahead that would clarify it. “That doesn’t exist at PSG,” he said.