In what is becoming a theme under Luis Enrique, Kylian Mbappé did not start a Ligue 1 match and was forced to come on as a super sub for Paris Saint-Germain instead.
In recent weeks, Mbappé has seen his playing time in Ligue 1 diminish. Since February 17 against FC Nantes, the Frenchman has either started on the bench or been subbed off early in domestic fixtures.
Previously, manager Luis Enrique has explained to the media and supporters that sooner or later, the club needs to learn how to play without its superstar. Mbappé is expected to leave PSG this summer when his contract expires for Real Madrid. Prior to the match against Reims, Luis Enrique was asked if Mbappé would start, and he said, “Depends on the sun. Whether it’s hot or not.”
Luis Enrique ultimately benched Mbappé in favor of Gonçalo Ramos, who scored a goal in the 19th minute to put PSG into the lead. Unfortunately, before halftime, PSG gave up the lead when Keylor Navas couldn’t keep Oumar Diakité from scoring.
What might have sparked controversy initially, the decision to bench Mbappé has become completely normal and necessary. Paris Saint-Germain will have to face the reality of needing to score goals without Mbappé in the very near future. The more minutes Luis Enrique can give to players like Ramos, Kang-In Lee, Bradley Barcola, and Randal Kolo Muani, the better.
Luis Enrique’s starting lineup against Reims featured Navas in goal, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, Danilo Pereira, and Achraf Hakimi in defense. Warren Zaïre-Emery, Manuel Ugarte, and Carlos Soler in midfield, and Barcola, Ramos, and Lee in attack.
📋 The starting XI 🔴🔵#PSGSDR pic.twitter.com/J22WobPAz2
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) March 10, 2024
PSG had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home against Reims, even with Mbappé coming on in the 73rd minute. Les Parisiens still lead Ligue 1, but it was the third consecutive draw in Ligue 1.
While many in the media will speculate that the relationship between Luis Enrique and Mbappé has deteriorated due to the lack of playing time, one only has to look at Mbappé’s performance against Real Sociedad last Tuesday to disprove that.
