Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says that he “understands” Kylian Mbappé’s (24) frustration following their UEFA Champions League draw against Borussia Dortmund. The France captain didn’t appreciate PSG’s willingness to settle for a draw in Germany.
PSG decided to play for a draw in the dying stages of their final Champions League group stage match against Dortmund.
PSG were reacting to scores elsewhere when they took their foot off the accelerator. After going behind to a Karim Adeyemi goal, Warren Zaïre-Emery equalised for Les Parisiens. However, the Ligue 1 club’s progression was on a knife-edge with Newcastle United drawing against AC Milan. A goal for the Premier League side would have dumped PSG out of the competition, and as a result, Luis Enrique’s side pushed for a winner.
‘It was one of the best decisions of my career’ – Luis Enrique
However, with AC Milan getting a late goal, PSG could have been dumped out of the competition if they lost against Dortmund. The Serie A side would have advanced at their expense. As a result, Luis Enrique told his players to “take fewer risks”. This instruction did not sit well with Mbappé, who wanted to go for the win that would see them finish top of the group, and therefore receive an easier draw in the Round of 16.
Mbappé was visibly frustrated on the pitch, and according to Canal Plus, he made a swift return to the team bus after the match, sitting alone without his teammates for many minutes. Luis Enrique has defended his decision to play for the draw, even if it was a decision that frustrated his talisman.
“I understand why Mbappé is annoyed, but it is me who gives the orders. It was one of the best decisions of my career […] it was a big decision, but not one taken solely by me, but also with my staff, even if it was me who had the final say,” said Luis Enrique in a press conference, transcribed by Get French Football News.
