For the second game in a row, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique decided to replace Kylian Mbappé. In the goalless match against AS Monaco, the Spanish tactician substituted the 25-year-old with Randal Kolo Muani, setting off a dramatic event.
Instead of remaining on the bench with his teammates, the player went to the stands with his mother. The television cameras caught the 25-year-old on the phone, and a journalist shared a clip of Mbappé as he took the time to greet the public and even take a selfie.
Football journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that PSG has yet to provide any comment or indication regarding potential punishment for Mbappé. Furthermore, sources within PSG have confided in Jacobs, expressing bewilderment and labeling the situation as “surreal” and “ridiculous.”
Nonetheless, France Bleu Paris’ Bruno Salomon reports that Mbappé’s entourage assures the French media outlet that there is no controversy and that the player is focused on Tuesday’s match in the UEFA Champions League.
The information from Salomon notes that the Parisian manager suggested that the captain sit in the stands. This momentum isn’t ideal as the team prepares for the second leg against Real Sociedad in the Champions League Round of 16 tie.
It remains to be seen if Enrique will rely on the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner for this crucial match.
