20 December 2023 , 02:00
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Kylian Mbappe's future at PSG beyond this season has been thrown into doubt amid an escalating fallout with Luis Enrique.
The Frenchman has been frequently linked with a move to Real Madrid over the past few years. He chose to sign a new contract in the summer of 2022, but will be free to leave the Parc des Princes in the summer transfer window.
PSG are desperate to keep their superstar at the club, but he appears to have taken a step closer to making a long-awaited exit. The French giants appointed superstar coach Luis Enrique in the summer, though the Spaniard's reign has been somewhat bumpy so far.
They are top of Ligue 1, but have not been dominating as much as they are used to, while they only squeezed into the knockout stages of the Champions League on goal difference. Enrique is facing a fresh headache now though, as his relationship with Mbappe deteriorates.
According to AS, their latest tiff started when Enrique ordered his side to back off in their clash with Borussia Dortmund in their final Champions League group game. Mbappe was unhappy with the tactics, with the Frenchman later having words with his manager, who defended his decision.
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“I understand Mbappé is annoyed. But it’s me who gives orders to the team. It was one of the best decisions of my career, telling my players: Milan are winning 2-1 at Newcastle in 88th minute, no need to take risks," he said two days later.
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Kylian Mbappe has reportedly fallen out with Luis Enrique (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))“We have to try score of course, but if you look, we go into Dortmund’s area after around 2/3 times. It was obviously a big decision but it wasn’t just my decision, it was also that of my staff, even if I have the last word."
Matters escalated at the weekend, as PSG were held to a draw with Lille, conceding a last-minute equaliser. Mbappe had put his side ahead, but barely celebrated, with suggestions that he is unhappy being played as a number 9 by Enrique.
The PSG boss dropped a hint about the power the forward holds when asked about that problem, responding: "Kylian will play where he decides. He has total liberty to play with freedom, freedom to play inside, outside, we rotate our positions."
Things are said to have been 'cordial' between Mbappe and Enrique for much of the latter's reign so far. But there is little sign of a 'total affinity' between the duo, with the manager's latest statements hinting at some underlying issues.
Sources at PSG have played down suggestions of any rift existing between their two big names. Club bosses will begin negotiations over a new contract for the superstar in January, though the chances of an exit are increasing.
Mbappe was infamously bombed out of the first-team squad during pre-season as he issued notice that he would not be activating the one-year extension clause in his contract. And Madrid will likely be watching with great interest as Enrique works to restore their relationship.