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Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique insists taking off Kylian Mbappe at half-time in last night’s Ligue 1 game against Monaco was ‘the best decision for the team’.
The France international is destined to leave the French champions in the summer and appears almost certain to join Real Madrid.
It is the second week in succession that the 25-year-old has been withdrawn early by his manager after he was hooked in the 65th minute during a draw against Rennes.
Mbappe watched the second half of Friday evening’s game against Monaco from the stands, where he sat beside his mother, who also acts as his agent.
‘I have been in football long enough, you should know that everything is important in this kind of club,’ Enrique told reporters after a draw which extended PSG’s lead at the top of the table to 12 points.
‘Sooner rather than later, we will play without Mbappe so I’m looking for the best option for the team.
‘Sometimes I’m right, sometimes I’m wrong. I will do what is best for my team. I don’t want to create controversy, it’s my decision.’
Enrique insisted he was unaware that his star player watched the second 45 minutes from stands rather than on the bench with his teammates.
Mbappe was pitchside following the final whistle and was seen deep in conversation with Ousmane Dembele following the 0-0 stalemate.
The former Monaco star was seen clutching his thigh during the opening period and it remains to be seen whether he will be selected for PSG’s next game against Real Sociedad in the Champions League in midweek.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, meanwhile, was largely responsible for helping his side extend its unbeaten league run to 19 matches with a string of fine saves.
‘I don’t have any personal feelings, I played a good game,’ said the Italy international afterwards.
‘It’s not easy here and we wanted to win, but Monaco are a great team. We played a good game despite everything. The team had a good attitude and now we’re ready for Real Sociedad.’
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