The latest edition of Le Classique between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille was meant to be another showcase for Kylian Mbappe’s immense talents. However, the French superstar was left stunned when manager Luis Enrique made the controversial decision to substitute him in the 64th minute of PSG’s 2-0 victory on Sunday.
Mbappe’s Visible Frustration
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As Mbappe’s number flashed up on the substitutes board, replacing him with
Goncalo Ramos, the PSG talisman could scarcely believe what he was seeing. The 24-year-old shrugged his shoulders in disbelief and his face contorted with frustration.
Rather than taking his place on the bench, Mbappe headed straight down the tunnel alongside teammate
Ousmane Dembele, refusing to even acknowledge most of PSG’s coaching staff with the customary high-fives.
Enrique Defiant Over Decision
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In the aftermath of the match, PSG manager
Luis Enrique was unrepentant about his decision to withdraw his star man, despite the tensions it clearly caused. Speaking to Prime Video Sport, the Spaniard insisted he would not apologize, defiantly stating:
“It’s the same music every week, the same music… it’s very boring. I am the manager, I make the decisions every day, every week. I’m going to do the same until my last day in Paris.”
Enrique claimed he was simply trying to find the best solution for his team. He added: “I always try to find the best solution for my team. I think I’m right. Even if you don’t understand it, I don’t care. I don’t care at all.”
Mbappe’s Cryptic Social Media Response
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While Enrique was happy to defend his decision publicly, Mbappe chose to let his social media activity do the talking. The French international took to Instagram after the match, posting a photo of himself with his back to the camera, offering no caption to explain his apparent frustrations.
Mbappe’s refusal to speak to the media only added to the sense that all is not well behind the scenes at the
Parc des Princes, despite PSG’s comfortable victory over their fierce rivals.
Context of the Substitution
It’s worth noting that Enrique’s decision came after PSG had been reduced to 10 men. Defender Lucas Beraldo having been sent off earlier in the match for bringing down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
PSG had also taken the lead through Vitinha’s strike, while a potential equalizer from
Jordan Veretout was ruled out after a VAR review determined Luis Henrique had obstructed goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view.
Mbappe’s Future in Doubt?
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The tension between Mbappe and Enrique will only fuel further speculation about the French star’s future at the club. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, rumours have persisted that he could seek to leave PSG.
This latest clash with his manager is unlikely to have eased any doubts Mbappe may have had about remaining in Paris long-term. For now,
PSG’s season remains very much alive, but the cracks between player and manager appear to be growing deeper with each passing week.