Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique remains cautious when discussing the possibility of star striker Kylian Mbappé's involvement in the upcoming Champions League clash with Real Sociedad. Mbappé has been dealing with a sore left ankle and was left as an unused substitute in the team's recent league match against Lille. Although Enrique confirmed Mbappé's readiness to start in the first leg of the last-16 contest, he emphasized that the risk was not worth taking in the previous game.
The uncertainty surrounding Mbappé's future at PSG has been a topic of discussion, with his contract set to expire at the end of June. Reports have heavily linked him with a move to long-time suitor Real Madrid. When asked if Wednesday's match could potentially be Mbappé's last home game for PSG in the Champions League, Enrique dismissed the idea, stating that it wasn't how he felt about it.
On paper, PSG appears to be the strong favorite, with an 11-point lead in the French league compared to Real Sociedad's seventh-place position in the Spanish league. However, Enrique refused to comment on favoritism and insisted that the true determination would be demonstrated on the field.
PSG's underwhelming record in the Champions League despite their significant investments has been a cause for concern. The club has been eliminated from the last 16 of the competition five times in the past seven seasons, including a humiliating 6-1 defeat against Barcelona in 2017, when Enrique was in charge of Barca. The pressure to perform has led to frustrated fans quickly turning on star players like Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Enrique is striving to change the team's mentality, encouraging them to stay as natural and relaxed as possible. Rather than boasting about their chances, the current squad appears more modest and focused on their own performance, rather than external expectations. Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz expressed that while they don't feel obliged to win the Champions League, they certainly want to win it and feel calm and in control of their own destiny.
Real Sociedad is not to be underestimated. The Spanish side finished unbeaten atop their group, ahead of last season's Champions League runner-up, Inter Milan, and currently leads the Italian league. Enrique praised the tactical astuteness and strengths of Real Sociedad, highlighting their solid defensive record in the competition.
As PSG prepares for their clash with Real Sociedad, Enrique is aware of the importance of approaching the game with the right mindset. The team's past disappointments serve as lessons and reminders that success in the Champions League cannot be taken for granted. As the French giants continue their quest for European glory, they aim to keep their composure and stay focused on the task at hand.
The match against Real Sociedad presents a crucial opportunity for PSG to prove their mettle and shed their reputation for faltering in important games. The players, under the guidance of Enrique, understand the significance of this moment and are determined to deliver a strong performance. Only time will reveal if PSG can finally live up to their potential in the Champions League.
