Enrique’s About-Turn: PSG Manager Concedes Misreading Mbappe and Dembele Impact
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Despite the eagerly anticipated comeback of Kylian Mbappe, PSG lost to Toulouse in the Ligue 1 match. Both teams scored penalties in the game’s 1-1 draw.
The press questioned manager Luis Enrique about the team’s inability to make a breakthrough after they had yet to record a victory in the league. According to the Spaniard, his team in the second half was considerably more unbalanced than it was in the first.
Ousmane Dembélé / Marco Verratti / Kylian Mbappé #PSG pic.twitter.com/D1QJxSjFwv
— ParisTeam (@Paristeamfr) August 25, 2023
It’s interesting that Enrique brought on Kylian Mbappe and newcomer Ousmane Dembele as his two halftime substitutions. Enrique’s comments thus gave rise to rumours of alleged discontent in the dressing room.
The PSG manager quickly addressed the situation, putting an end to all the rumours before they could spread. The former Barcelona manager said the following during a press conference on Friday on PSG’s next match against Lens (via French Football Weekly):”If Dembele and Mbappé brought an imbalance when returning? I often say that these hot analyzes are not correct.””My analysis was incorrect after Toulouse. The whole match was controlled, I was wrong. We have to work on this adaptation of the players. Finding a balance based on new entrants is the most exciting thing to come for me.The thing that excites me the most about the future is finding a balance based on fresh entries.
PSG is now undergoing a significant squad restructure after selling players like Neymar and Lionel Messi. The Parisians have therefore added a lot of attacking reinforcements, including as Goncalo Ramos, Kang-in Lee, Marco Asensio, and Ousmane Dembele. Making the new signings gel is a difficult challenge for new manager Luis Enrique because Kylian Mbappe is also back in the equation.
Mbappe’s Captaincy Bid Falls Short, Claims Fourth Spot in PSG Poll
PSG has previously observed an anonymous poll to choose the club’s captain for the 2023–24 campaign. Despite the fact that Kylian Mbappe and transfer-listed Marco Verratti appeared to be in the lead, the results of a second private vote showed otherwise.
Following midfielder Danilo Pereira and fellow countryman Presnel Kimpembe, Mbappe came in at number four on the list, as per RMC Sport. Following his victory in the poll, Marquinhos kept the captain’s armband, demonstrating once more that his teammates still believe in and respect him.
The belief in Kylian Mbappe’s ability to lead the team appears to have diminished as the possibility of a transfer away from the French city remains a major concern. The 2018 World Cup champion will be a free agent in the summer of 2019 if things continue as they are.
