PSG manager Luis Enrique has offered insights into his decision to substitute striker Kylian Mbappe during their goalless draw against Monaco on Friday (March 1). Despite the rare blank, PSG maintains a 12-point lead at the top of the table, albeit having played an extra game.
With Mbappe’s impending departure and the need to prepare for his absence, Enrique opted to replace the star player at half-time. However, the alteration did not alter the course of the game significantly, as both teams failed to find the net.
Enrique rationalized the decision by stating, “Sooner or later we will play without Mbappe, so I am looking for the best option for the team. We have to get used to that.”
The draw against Monaco marks PSG’s consecutive league game with dropped points, following a 1-1 draw against Rennes the previous week. While the substitution of Mbappe may or may not have been tactical, it serves to keep the Frenchman fresh for the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Real Sociedad on Tuesday (March 6).
In the first leg, Mbappe, along with Bradley Barcola, contributed to PSG’s 2-0 victory at the Parc des Princes last month.