Why Enrique’s Mbappe comments are a positive for PSG, Nkunku’s Chelsea return & what next for Rudi Garcia?

Originally published on the Daily Briefing thedailybriefing.io

Don’t read too much into Luis Enrique’s dig at Kylian Mbappe

A few eyebrows were raised by Luis Enrique criticising Kylian Mbappe after he scored a hat-trick against Reims, with the PSG manager admitting he still wasn’t happy with the player, demanding more from him despite his goal-scoring heroics.

There is, however, nothing to read into after Enrique’s recent comments regarding Mbappe. It is no secret that the Spanish tactician would like to see his French superstar working harder for the team and he is not the first PSG boss to want that.

It has been a funny period for Mbappe on the pitch with his form blowing hot and cold, but his future is far from set in stone at present. It is unlikely that we will see any major development on that front before the end of 2023 with much of Mbappe’s decision likely to hinge upon how PSG fare in the Champions League this term.

There have been signs of progress under Luis Enrique and the post-November internationals run up until the winter break could prove to an important period in terms of how Mbappe and PSG’s outlook is come early 2024. Overall, though, the players are largely happy with PSG’s new direction and the fact that the Spaniard is able to offer constructive criticism of his star player so publicly shows how things are changing at Parc des Princes compared with the former player power, which dictated that individuals came before the collective and the club.

What does the future hold for Presnel Kimpembe?

Presnel Kimpembe is expected to return to action before the end of this year after a lengthy injury layoff. Assuming that he returns to full form and fitness, the youth academy graduate is a player that PSG will want