The problems for Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint Germain seem to be in no mood for ending. Mbappe hasn’t had the best relationships with ex-PSG managers and teammates. But, new reports about the 24-year-old’s feud with PSG head coach, Luis Enrique have certain sections of the media fuming.
Steve Nicol, the renowned presenter for the show ESPN FC TV, in particular, was livid with Kylian Mbappe’s antics on the pitch. Nicol’s rant on Kylian Mbappe came in the aftermath of the UEFA Champions League game between Borussia Dortmund and PSG on December 14, 2023. Both teams shared the spoils as the game held at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park ended 1-1
Reportedly, Luis Enrique’s conservative approach towards the end of the game, made the PSG captain very upset. In the 85th minute, Enrique asked his players to take fewer risks, as AC Milan’s win over Newcastle United in the 2nd game of Group F, had ensured PSG’s qualification to the next round.
All PSG had to do from then on was to secure at least one point from their game against Dortmund. Luis Enrique, therefore instructed his players to focus on defending their goal rather than attacking. Blowing away the lead would have been very costly for ‘Le Parisiens’.
YOU SHALL NOT PASS 🧙♂️
Extraordinary defending from Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Sule. 💪pic.twitter.com/bu24skD9hZ
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 15, 2023
Kylian Mbappe, however, disagreed with his coach. The French attacker wanted to double down on his team’s offense and leave Germany with a win. And the two-time World Cup finalist had his good set of reasons. A win on Signal Iduna Park soil would have secured the top spot in Group F for Paris Saint Germain. Finishing as the table toppers would have potentially given the French team relatively easier opponents in the Round of 16.
Steve Nicol, was furious at Kylian Mbappe’s reluctance to obey his coach’s instructions. According to the Scot, a player at any point should move according to his coach’s plans. According to Nicol, Kylian Mbappe’s individualistic approaches have cost PSG a lot. Nicol opined that PSG lacks team spirit and that is the reason ‘Les Parisiens’ haven’t been able to lift the Champions League trophy in their history.
He agreed with Luis Enrique’s approach in the dying moments of the game and said that “he would have done the same”. In the end, the draw in Germany and Newcastle’s defeat meant Dortmund and PSG qualified through to the next round. Newcastle finished bottom and AC Milan would play Europa League soccer as the ‘Rossoneri’ finished third.
Kylian Mbappe has had a tricky relationship with Luis Enrique
The troubling relationship between Kylian Mbappe and his coach has been pretty evident from the get-go. Reports have emerged from France which suggest that both Luis Enrique and Mbappe dislike each other. Their failing relationship came to light after the Spanish coach criticized Mbappe for his lack of defensive awareness.
The criticism came following PSG’s 3-0 away victory over Stade De Reims on November 11, 2023. However, the most shocking about Enrique’s harsh words was the fact that Mbappe had scored all of those three goals.
Speaking to French TV channel Canal+ after the game, the Spaniard said (via Ligue 1), “In terms of goals I have nothing to add. He is unique. But I ask for more from Kylian Mbappé. Not in terms of goals. I ask for more from him in terms of supporting the rest of the team and participating with the team in more situations in the game. I think he is one of the best players in the world, without any doubt, but we still need to see a better Kylian and I think he can get better.”
The finalists are in for seven categories for #TheBest FIFA Football Awards! 🏆
The winners will be announced at #TheBest ceremony on Monday 15 January in London.
Who would you like to see named #TheBest?
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 16, 2023
Although Kylian Mbappe has publicly denied reports of any rifts with his manager, all might not be well at the Parc Des Princes. Setting aside the controversies, Kylian Mbappe might be gearing up for yet another personal accomplishment.
Mbappe is one of the three final nominees along with Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland for the Best FIFA Men’s Player 2023. The winner of the award shall be announced on January 15, 2023, at a ceremony in London.