PSG coach Luis Enrique claims 'perfect' relationship with Mbappe

English Woman's Journal - PSG coach Luis Enrique claims 'perfect' relationship with Mbappe

SPORTS 19.12.2023

PSG coach Luis Enrique claims 'perfect' relationship with Mbappe / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP/File

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insists he has a "perfect" relationship with Kylian Mbappe, despite the France star forward's attitude during recent games raising questions about his happiness at the club.

Change text size:

Mbappe appeared frustrated during last week's 1-1 Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund in Germany, disappointed with his teammates for settling for a point when a win would have seen them finish top of their group.

He again looked less than happy at times during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Lille in Ligue 1, a match in which he played through the middle of the attack, away from his usual preferred role on the left flank.

"As always, a perfect relationship," Luis Enrique said when asked how he got on with Mbappe at a press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of PSG's final match of the year at home to Metz.

"We are not a couple but that is mainly because he doesn't want us to be," the Spaniard joked.

"I don't know why I keep getting asked this question. I am very close to most of my players."

"Kylian is always making jokes and laughing," he added.

Mbappe, who is out of contract at the end of this season, will celebrate his 25th birthday on Wednesday.

"Twenty-five is so young. I hope he continues to have more success at PSG and that we are able to help him," Luis Enrique said.

"He is fantastic. We are lucky to have him," he added of a player who has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season.

P.Smid--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - PSG coach Luis Enrique claims 'perfect' relationship with Mbappe