Luis Enrique's Tactical Shift: Mbappe Benched for Team's Future Adaptation

Kylian Mbappe PSG’s leading goal scorer was substituted at half-time and observed the second half alongside his mother in the stands during PSG’s draw against his former club Monaco. Despite being PSG’s all-time top scorer with 244 goals, Mbappe has already agreed to join Real Madrid at the end of the season. 

PSG manager Luis Enrique made the decision to replace Mbappe with Randal Kolo Muani at half-time emphasizing the necessity for the team to adapt to playing without Mbappe in the future. Mbappe (25) changed into a tracksuit and joined his family in the crowd rather than sitting on the bench with his teammates. 

Luis Enrique justified the decision stating it was made for the team’s benefit. PSG faces Real Sociedad in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday holding a comfortable 12 points lead at the top of Ligue 1. Monaco trails in third place one point behind.