da 888： Kylian Mbappe’s rift with Luis Enrique continues as the PSG forward was subbed for second game in a row – this time after 45 minutes against Monaco.
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Mbappe taken off after the first 45 minutesAppeared to be a tactical changeWas pictured in stands along with his motherGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The French forward was once again removed earlier by Luis Enrique on Friday evening and replaced by Randal Kolo Muani, with the deadlock yet to be broken at Stade Louis II. In the last match against Rennes, Mbappe was taken off after 65 minutes while the Parisians trailed 1-0, and this time even earlier, which indicates that the manager does not want to entirely rely on him.
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With no apparent injury involved, it is perceived to be a tactical change by the coach as the Spaniard is trying to prepare for life without the forward at the Parc des Princes – with Mbappe being intensely linked to a move to Real Madrid this summer.
The 2018 World Cup winner came out of the dressing room speaking on his mobile phone while the second half was already underway and did not return to the bench. However, he greeted the fans, took selfies, and signed autographs pitchside before climbing up the stairs to the stands to sit beside his mother and agent Fayza Lamari.
RESPONSE TO LUIS ENRIQUE?
Earlier, Luis Enrique had admitted that he took off Mbappe against Rennes as he wants his side to "get used to playing without Kylian. When I want to play like this, I will, when I don’t, I won’t."
Mbappe's defiant gesture might be targetted towards his coach who is clearly not counting on his services, as he used to earlier in the season.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
It is already known that Mbappe's days in the French capital are numbered. The goal scorer has already informed the PSG top brass about his decision to leave in June and reportedlyhas an agreement to join Real Madrid. However, it remains to be seen if the club sanctions the forward for choosing to leave for the stands instead of sharing the dugout with his teammates.