Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG), Kylian Mbappé, reportedly had a meeting with manager Luis Enrique at the club’s training centre over the weekend to address tensions arising from recent instances where the Spanish coach substituted him during matches, as per sources cited by ESPN’s Julien Laurens.
Mbappé was replaced at halftime during PSG’s 0-0 draw against Monaco, following a substitution the week before against Rennes, where he was taken off after 65 minutes.
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After the Monaco match, Luis Enrique stated that it was his decision to substitute the French captain with Randal Kolo Muani.
Sources revealed to ESPN that Mbappé, aged 25, expressed dissatisfaction with being substituted and sought to discuss the matter with Luis Enrique.
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In response, the coach assured Mbappé that the decision wasn’t personal and wasn’t related to the striker’s choice to leave PSG.
Luis Enrique explained that he substituted Mbappé due to concerns about his fitness and a desire to preserve him for more significant challenges, according to sources.
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Additionally, he mentioned considering the team’s future, as he has previously addressed in news conferences following speculation about Mbappé’s departure.
Despite this explanation, sources indicate that Mbappé perceives the substitutions as a consequence of his decision to depart the club at the end of the season.
Further reports from ESPN’s Rodrigo Faez and Julien Laurens suggest that Mbappé is still engaged in discussions with Real Madrid, with the Spanish club feeling optimistic about securing the striker’s services.