Kylian Mbappe: PSG Coach Luis Enrique Explains Why He Subbed Real Madrid Bound Star at Half Time

• PSG boss Luis Enrique has disclosed why he subbed his talisman
• Kylian Mbappe did not return to the pitch after halftime vs Monaco
• Les Parisiens shared the spoils for the second game in a row in Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has provided insight into his decision to substitute Kylian Mbappe for the second consecutive game during his side's scoreless draw with AS Monaco.

Mbappe was replaced by the Spanish tactician at halftime in the highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash at the Stade Louis II on Friday, March 1.

This move comes after the outgoing Frenchman was substituted in the 65th minute during PSG's previous match against Stade Rennes, which also ended in a stalemate (1-1).

How Mbappe performed before his substitution

Meanwhile, the 2018 World Cup champion delivered a performance that fell short of his usual high standards. Sofascore's statistics reveal that he successfully completed just one out of four attempted dribbles.

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Kylian also lost possession 10 times and managed 32 touches with a passing accuracy of 78 per cent. Despite this, he still made two key passes before being substituted by the head coach.

Enrique explains why he removed Mbappe at halftime

In his post-match comments following Friday's game, Enrique emphasised the need for the team to adapt to the prospect of playing without their leading goal-scorer.

“I have been in football long enough. You should know that everything is important in this kind of club,” he told reporters as cited by Daily Sport.

Just this past month, Mbappe publicly announced his decision to leave the club once his existing contract concludes at the season's end, necessitating Enrique's unusual but comprehensible decision to substitute his star player in two consecutive matches.

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

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“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.”

Mbappe, other player set to leave PSG

As Kylian Mbappe prepares for his expected transfer to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain is bracing for a substantial blow.

Nevertheless, the Frenchman won't be the only one bidding farewell to the Parc des Princes this summer, as reported by Sports Brief.

As PSG readies themselves for a Mbappe-less future, significant upheavals are on the horizon, with several players poised to leave and potential new signings on the cards for the upcoming transfer window.