Luis Enrique hints at further PSG substitutions for Kylian Mbappe - 'Could be yes, could be not'

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has hinted that he could continue taking off star man Kylian Mbappe early in matches.

Enrique caused a stir when he substituted the French striker at half-time of PSG’s 0-0 Ligue 1 draw with Monaco in their most recent game.

Ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League last 16 second-leg trip to Real Sociedad on Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, the PSG manager was asked in his press conference if he could make a similar call in San Sebastian and in the competition going forwards.

“Could be yes, could be not, who knows…” he responded.

In February, Mbappe told PSG he plans to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer, with the 25-year-old widely expected to join Real Madrid.

The news came just a day after the striker netted in the first leg against Sociedad to help his side win 2-0.

Mbappe was then a second-half substitute for the league win over Nantes – scoring after coming off the bench – and was taken off against Rennes as well as Monaco.

The player was also seen using his mobile phone in the tunnel after his removal in the latter match.

“Sooner or later, we will have to get used to playing without Kylian,” said Enrique following the Monaco game. “It's a decision that I made with the aim of doing the best for the team.”

PSG arrive at the Anoeta Stadium on Tuesday with a two-goal advantage, courtesy of strikes from Mbappe and Bradley Barcola in Paris, and looking to advance to the last eight of the competition for the first time in three seasons.

The Ligue 1 champions have been beaten by Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively in the past two years, and despite their lead from the first leg, Enrique is taking nothing for granted.

“What I expect of the team is for them to be ready for the importance of the match,” he added. “And hopefully, we will be able to face this match like the rest of matches we have played during the season.

“I am very confident in my team. I think we are clear with our target and that’s to beat Real Sociedad, to defeat them at their home but it won’t be easy.”

Mbappe is the club’s top scorer in the competition with 38 goals since joining from Monaco in 2017.

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