Mbappe: PSG Boss Warns Club to Get Used to Playing Without Frenchman

• Kylian Mbappe featured for PSG against Rennes on Sunday
• But the Frenchman was subbed off early in the second half
• The Parisiens will start the 2024/25 season without Mbappe

After taking off Kylian Mbappe as Paris Saint-Germain struggled to a home draw with Rennes on Sunday, coach Luis Enrique said the soon-to-leave superstar will play "when I want him".

Luis Enrique took off France captain Mbappe in the 65th minute with PSG losing. His replacement, Goncalo Ramos, won and converted an added-time penalty that gave the home team a 1-1 draw in Ligue 1.

Mbappe has said he plans to leave when his contract expires after this season with Real Madrid expected to be his next destination.

"It's very simple, sooner or later, when it happens, we have to get used to playing without Kylian," Luis Enrique told the post-match press conference.

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"When I want him to play, I'll play him, and when I don't, same thing."

Between the 64th and 70th minutes, Luis Enrique replaced his entire forward line, also taking off Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.

PSG, who have an 11-point lead over Brest in Ligue 1, face third-placed Monaco on Friday before travelling to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad in a Champions League round-of-16 second-leg game on March 5, holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg.

"I'm loving it," said Luis Enrique. "I'd like every match to be like that, like Brest, Monaco and Real Sociedad. The tougher the games, the better. Does anyone think the return leg will be easy against Real Sociedad?"

Mbappe set to trademark his celebration

In other news, Sports Brief highlighted the steps Mbappe has reportedly taken to protect his trademark celebration and name.

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The former Monaco man wants to own the intellectual right to the image alongside the name 'Mbappe.'

If he is successful, his goal celebration will be trademarked in 27 European countries, including Spain.

Is Mbappe open to join Arsenal?

In other related news, Sports Brief also previously reported on rumours that Mbappe was considering joining Arsenal in what would be a remarkable move.

Despite Spanish giants, Real Madrid, being the frontrunners for the France captain's signature, there is emerging competition from the Premier League.

Liverpool is also viewed as a credible destination for the 25-year-old but some sources suggest Mbappe would be open to joining the North London club.