Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has explained why he is "controlling game time" for Kylian Mbappe as he closes in on a move to Real Madrid.
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Enrique explains why he dropped Mbappe from starting XIClaims he has backing of club ownersPSG take on Nice in French Cup on WednesdayGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe was omitted from PSG's starting lineup for the third time in a month against Reims as the Ligue 1 leader's were held to a 2-2 draw by the ninth-placed side. Manager Luis Enrique has now explained why he has been using attacking players like Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scarcely in the last few matches.
AdvertisementWHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID
Speaking to reporters ahead of a French Cup quarter-final tie against Nice, the Spaniard said: "We study every little detail for the players individually. All matches are important, like tomorrow's matches or in the Champions League. Ousmane has no problem, he is available to the coach. We have to control the time game for very explosive players like Dembele or Mbappe. They have incredible speed which involves risks. It involves making them play more or less minutes."
He added: "Since I arrived, since my first meeting with Luis Campos and since I knew the president (Nasser Al-Khelaïfi), I have always felt total confidence, support. The project is a bit new for the club, different from previous coaches, with a lot of young players. The idea is to see that our supporters follow us and think that we play well. I have a good time in personal terms, as a coach and that's how it is that we must carry out a football project."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It has been suggested that Mbappe and Luis Enrique's relationship has soured in the wake of the news that the World Cup winner has reached an agreement to join Real Madrid in the summer, after his contract at PSG expires. The PSG boss bizarrely sent his best wishes for the future to Mbappe after the Reims draw as he appeared to confirm that he will be moving onto pastures new at the end of the season.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PSG?
PSG will next face Nice in the French Cup quarter-final on Wednesday before taking on Montpellier in the Ligue 1 on Sunday. Mbappe and Co also have the Champions League quarter-finals to look forward to, with the French champions still in the hunt for an unprecedented treble.