Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique remains tight-lipped about star striker Kylian Mbappé's availability for the upcoming Champions League clash with Real Sociedad. Mbappé has been dealing with a sore left ankle and was left on the bench in PSG's league game against Lille on Saturday. When asked if Mbappé would start in the first leg of their last-16 contest, Enrique responded with a brief 'Yes' during the pre-match news conference.
Enrique expressed confidence in Mbappé's fitness, stating that he could have played in the previous game if it was a final. However, the coach emphasized the need to avoid taking unnecessary risks considering it was not a decisive match. The French striker's contract with PSG expires at the end of June, and speculation continues to swirl regarding a potential move to Real Madrid, a long-time suitor for Mbappé's signature.
When pressed about the possibility of this game being Mbappé's last home match for PSG in the Champions League, Enrique flatly denied any notion of it. Despite PSG's 11-point lead in the French league and Sociedad's seventh-place position in the Spanish league, Enrique acknowledged the greater competition in Spain. He highlighted Ligue 1's lack of credible rivals this season compared to previous years when teams like Montpellier, Mbappé's Monaco, and Lille emerged as title winners.
Enrique declined to comment on PSG being considered favorites to progress against Sociedad, emphasizing that the true determination would be made on the field. Recognizing PSG's underwhelming record in the competition, the coach may be deliberately trying to alleviate some pressure from his players. Despite substantial investments in star players and high-profile salaries, PSG has been eliminated from the last 16 of the Champions League five times in the past seven seasons, including the infamous 6-1 loss to Barcelona in 2017.
Since that crushing defeat, the Champions League has become the ultimate measure of PSG's success. The team's failure to reach the later stages has frustrated fans, who have been quick to criticize stars like Neymar and Lionel Messi. Enrique is emphasizing a more relaxed mental approach for his players, encouraging them to stay natural and not let external pressures affect their performance.
The current PSG squad appears to have embraced this mindset shift, displaying a more modest attitude. Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz stated that while they do not feel obligated to win the Champions League, their desire to triumph in the competition remains strong. Ruiz reassured that the team feels calm and confident, focusing on their internal control rather than external expectations.
As the match looms, both Enrique and his players recognize the threat that Sociedad poses. Ruiz, who previously played in Italy's Serie A, described Sociedad as a tactically astute side with a strong emphasis on counter-pressing. Enrique praised the work of his counterpart Imanol Alguacil, who has been leading Sociedad since 2018. Sociedad finished atop their group, unbeaten, ahead of strong contenders like Inter Milan last season's Champions League runner-up and the frontrunners in the Italian league.
Enrique acknowledged Sociedad's impressive defensive record in the Champions League and cautioned that PSG should expect a stern challenge. The Spanish coach is fully aware that Sociedad will be no pushover and reminded his team that they will have to earn their victory.
With both teams gearing up for this critical clash, PSG and Sociedad are ready to battle it out on the field, leaving all the uncertainties and speculations behind. Only time will tell if PSG can finally overcome their Champions League hurdles and achieve European glory.
