PSG’s star man Kylian Mbappe opted to snub his own team’s bench in the second half after being substituted by manager Luis Enrique.
Mbappe started for the Parisians in Monaco on Friday night but, with the scoreline goalless, Enrique opted to bring the 25-year-old off at the break in favour of Randal Kolo Muani. It is custom for a player to sit with their teammates on the bench after being substituted but the forward decided to break this unwritten rule.
Instead, the winger chose to head up into the stands to sit with his mum and other members of his entourage as his team laboured to a draw in the principality. Mbappe was booed last week by his supporters as he was substituted with Rennes leading against PSG.
After that match which the Parisians also drew, Enrique explained his decision to substitute the forward. “We have to get used to not playing with Kylian, sooner or later it’s going to happen,” he said.
“When I consider it appropriate, he will play or not play, as all coaches do with their players. I want maximum competitiveness for next season.
“I want every starting player in this PSG team to think that this is a great opportunity. That’s what I’m looking for this season and next season.”
“I want every starting player in this PSG team to think that this is a great opportunity. That’s what I’m looking for this season and next season.”
It is widely expected that Mbappe shall be leaving PSG in the summer at the end of his contract having not agreed an extension. Liverpool are thought to be interested however are unlikely to seal a deal with reports suggesting Real Madrid have ‘agreed’ a move for the Frenchman.
Another team on record as being interested in Mbappe is Arsenal. Speaking last month, Mikel Arteta refused to rule out a move for the forward.
“Maybe Edu and the owners are [talking to Mbappe] but I’m not involved until the last stage,” the Arsenal boss explained. “Why not? If we want to be the best team, then you need to have the best players, that’s for sure.”