PSG, Barcelona’s next rival in the Champions League, can enter a final this Wednesday, the French Cup. But more than in Rennes, all the focuses are focused on the relationship between Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappé. The Asturian coach described it as an invention and a lie that the team’s star insulted him after replacing him in Marseille last Sunday.
“The curious thing is that a lie becomes news. This is what happens with part of journalism… Someone invented an insult and from here the speculations come out,” he lamented. “I live it with complete peace of mind, I do my job to the best of my ability because I know what role I have in this game.”
Mbappé has played 35 games as a starter this season and did not finish the match in five. Three of those substitutions have come since February 15, when the forward informed the club that he was not going to renew and would leave in the summer. Of course, it also coincides with the key moment of the season.
Luis Enrique bit his tongue at the journalists’ insistence on those unfinished matches of the star. “I was going to answer you but maybe it was going to be rude. I am 53 years old and I already have experience in my head,” he reasoned.
The change in the Olympique de Marseille field came in the 65th minute, when PSG, which had been playing with 10 since the first half, led 0-1. The match ended 0-2 and the final goal was scored by Gonçalo Ramos, precisely the player who came on for Mbappé.
Luis Enrique insisted that the group is above all individuals. “I am convinced that 20 players are better than just having 11. I am giving minutes to the majority to try to reach the end of the season with the players involved,” he explained.
PSG is the leader of Ligue 1 with a 12-point advantage and the coach is measuring his efforts. Also from Mbappé. “He and I are in the same boat. We all want to get to port. “I would love for (Mbappé’s time at PSG) to end well, for him and for everyone,” he assured.
In addition to the cup semifinal, the Parisians also play in the league on Saturday before hosting Barcelona. While Barça is only thinking about the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. “We have competition and I don’t know which is better (whether to rest or play). It depends on the rest time,” he compared the two situations.
Finally, Luis Enrique thanked President Laporta for the good memories he has of him. “It is always better to hear good things, it is always more pleasant.”
