PSG
What has gone wrong between Kylian Mbappé and Luis Enrique at PSG?
The relationship between the PSG pair has been questioned in the past week.
The relationship between Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappé has boiled over in the last week. It all started with the match against Borussia Dortmund, in which the Asturian coach, fearful of elimination, ordered his PSG players to slow the pace of the game down, while the Frenchman believed that finishing first in the group was the best option for the team. Mbappé's position on the pitch has also sparked a debate.
Luis Enrique defended his position two days later, saying that dropping off the pace in Dortmund was undoubtedly “one of the best decisions of his career” while understanding Mbappé's frustration as he disagreed with his coach’s decision.
Mbappé in Luis Enrique’s system
A few days later, in a league match in Lille, PSG drew 1-1 after a last-minute goal from forward Jonathan David. Earlier, Mbappé had scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-0, but his lack of celebration could have been interpreted as a statement of intent, either because of his position on the pitch - as a 9 - or because he is not comfortable in Luis Enrique’s system. This season, Mbappé has 16 goals in 16 games for PSG.
After the draw at the Pierre Mauroy, Luis Enrique was asked about the Frenchman’s mood, as well as his position. The former Spain coach said that “Mbappé plays where he decides”, later adding that he did not have the “power to do so”.
Former PSG boss Christophe Galtier last season decided to play Mbappé as a 9, generating a debate that the France international wrote about on social media (#PivotGang).
PSG problems?
The 2018 World Cup winner’s relationship with Luis Enrique has been cordial since the start of the season, but there is also no sign of a total affinity between the two. Respect is mutual, there is no doubt about that, but Lucho’s latest statements and the player’s attitude on the pitch are clear signs that something has gone wrong. In Paris, they are playing down reports of an issue and emphasise that the team is top of Ligue 1 and they have managed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
Will Mbappé's relationship with Luis Enrique impede a possible contract renewal? It cannot be determined right now, but one of the conditions set by the Frenchman, in his renewal for two seasons in 2022, is that the chosen coach should empower him. In the last four games, Luis Enrique has moved him back to the 9 role, something the Les Bleus captain did not like last season. In January, Les Parisiens are set to start negotiations for a new deal for Mbappé.