Kylian Mbappe: Luis Enrique Downplays Rumoured Rift With Paris Saint Germain Forward

Kylian Mbappe: Luis Enrique Downplays Rumoured Rift With Paris Saint Germain Forward

Martin Moses
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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  • Manager Luis Enrique has denied claims of a misunderstanding between him and Kylian Mbappe
  • Mbappe has appeared unhappy in recent games where Paris Saint-Germain recorded 1-1 draws
  • His contract in the French capital will be up for discussion again at the end of the current season

Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Enrique has come out to deny claims of a possible rift between him and Kylian Mbappe.

The French forward has reportedly been unhappy in recent times with the manager's tactics. He was visibly upset at the end of their UEFA Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund on December 13.

Luis Enrique, Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain
PSG coach, Luis Enrique (right) with Kylian Mbappe during their Champions League draw against Borussia Dortmund on December 13. Photo by Franck Fife.
Source: Getty Images

Despite securing a one-all draw and progression to the round of 16, Mbappe reportedly wanted the team to go all out and secure first position in the group.

The soon-to-be 25-year-old also appeared frustrated during their 1-1 draw against Lille. He opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 66th minute, but Jonathan David equalised deep into stoppage time.

The Parisians remain on top of Ligue 1, five points ahead of second-placed Nice.

Enrique on his relationship with Mbappe

The World Cup winner's behaviour has prompted questions on whether he is seeing eye to eye with his manager.

Speaking ahead of their final game of the year at home to Metz, Enrique used an interesting analogy to describe his relationship with one of his captains.

"We are not a couple, but that is mainly because he doesn't want us to be. I don't know why I keep getting asked this question. I am very close to most of my players. My relationship with Kylian is perfect. He is always making jokes and laughing," he said as quoted by BeIN Sports.

Mbappe is out of contract next summer and rumours about his future are bound to start again, with Real Madrid believed to still be firmly interested in his signature.

Champions League round of 16 draw

Sports Brief also previously reported that the standout fixture of the Champions League round of 16 sees Napoli face La Liga counterparts, Barcelona.

Both sides are currently struggling for consistent form in their domestic leagues despite being defending champions in Italy and Spain, respectively.

PSG will face Spanish side, Real Sociedad while last season's finalists of the European competition, Inter Milan, face a tricky tie against Atletico Madrid.

Authors
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Martin Moses
Martin Moses is a sports journalist with over five years of experience in media. He graduated from Multimedia University of Kenya (Bachelor of Journalism, 2017-2021)