Luis Enrique has explained why he took Kylian Mbappe off in PSG’s draw with Rennes.
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has explained why he substituted Kylian Mbappe, who will be leaving the club at the end of the season, early in their Ligue 1 draw on Sunday.
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The Frenchman was taken off after 65 minutes in PSG’s league clash against Rennes on Sunday evening, by which time Enrique’s men were trailing by a goal.
Amine Gouiri put the away side ahead in the 33rd minute, but the response from Les Parisiens did not quite inspire what many assumed would be a routine win from them.
Mbappe and France international teammate Ousmane Dembele failed to get the hosts back into the encounter and were eventually both taken off in the 65th and 71st minute.
Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Mbappe, struck from the penalty spot in the 97th minute to rescue a point for PSG, who are 11 points clear of second-placed Brest in Ligue 1.
With the former expected to leave at the end of his deal in June, Enrique did not hesitate to insist Mbappe’s participation as he approaches his final four months at the club will be on his and his coaching staff’s terms.
“It’s very simple, sooner or later, when it happens, we have to get used to playing without Kylian,” he said, according to the Daily Star.
“When I want him to play, I’ll play him, and when I don’t, same thing.”
Enrique also addressed his decision to substitute Dembele.
“It’s a message for everyone. If you think I’m going to accept a player slacking off on the pitch, I’m not,” he assured.
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It is thought Mbappe is nearing a deal with Spanish giants Real Madrid, who have been linked with his signature since he was a teenager.
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