‘I Don’t Want To Create Controversy,’ Luis Enrique Reacts to Mbappe Snub

PSG manager Luis Enrique has reacted to Mbappe’s apparent disrespect of the club during PSG Ligue 1 clash against Monaco.

Mbappe stoked reactions after he was subbed off in the second half of the game. He trotted pass his teammates on the bench and headed into the changing room where he took down his jersey and put on mufti to watch the match.

More striking was the fact that the French football superstar chose to watch the remaining minutes of the game from the stands where he sat with his mother and his representatives.

Normally, after being subbed off, players are expected to sit out with their teammates on the bench but Mbappe ignored the PSG bench and perched on the stands among fans.

Mbappe’s boisterous flair and reaction after being subbed off during the Ligue 1 match has garnered widespread attention with some fans blasting the player for an indecorous attitude unbecoming of a player of his class.

It is understood his decision to stay out from the PSG bench in the match was in protest of his reduced minutes at PSG since he informed the club of his decision to leave at the end of the season.

PSG manager Luis Enrique is also at the heart of the apparent miscue.

Speaking after the match, Luis Enrique said he had to sub off Kylian Mbappe since he is set to leave the club soon.

Kylian #Mbappé ne retourne pas sur le banc. L’attaquant s’est changé et va s’installer en tribune pour suivre la 2e mi-temps. Sur la route, il prend le temps de saluer le public, casquette vissée sur la tête, et prend même un petit selfie. #ASMPSG pic.twitter.com/O32UBeTF1j

— Benjamin Quarez (@B_Quarez) March 1, 2024

According to him, based on his experience, he has to reduce Mbappe’s minutes as the club must learn to play without him soon.

“I have been in football long enough, you should know that everything is important in this kind of club.

“Sooner rather than later, we will play without Mbappé so I’m looking for the best option for the team.

“Sometimes I’m right, sometimes I’m wrong. We need to get used to it [playing without Mbappé]. I will do what is best for my team. I don’t want to create controversy, it’s my decision,”

It was the second time in two straight matches Kylian Mbappe has been subbed off in the second half. The 2018 World Cup winner endured a similar fate in PSG’s 1-1 draw against Rennes. He was subbed off in the 65th with Goncalo Ramos coming on.

Mbappe told PSG in February he will leave the club and is linked with a move to Real Madrid.