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Paris Saint Germain are a better side without Kylian Mbappe according to manager Luis Enrique
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has insisted that his team has improved both in attack and defence since Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid last year.
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The Spanish manager believes PSG’s collective approach is yielding better results, with the reigning champions currently dominating Ligue 1.
Luis Enrique hails PSG’s response to Mbappe departure
Speaking ahead of their title-deciding clash with AS Monaco on Friday, Enrique reiterated his stance that PSG are thriving without their former talisman, despite his incredible goal-scoring record in Paris.
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Mbappe left PSG in June after seven years at the club, where he scored over 170 Ligue 1 goals in more than 200 appearances.
While his absence could have left a significant void, Enrique is confident that the team has adapted well.
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"I was very brave last season when I told you that we would have a better team in attack and defence," Enrique said in his press conference, adding, "I still think that we are better in both. The numbers are there to say it. The players took it as a challenge."
Although PSG would have preferred to keep Mbappe, Enrique stressed that his team has shown great maturity in responding to his departure, saying, "Faced with a situation that we did not want but which happened, the maturity of the team is very good."
Enrique looks to Dembele to lead PSG
Luis Enrique took time out to praise Ousmane Dembele’s growing importance to the team, calling on the winger to take on a leadership role. "Right now, he is in an absolutely spectacular series. His statistics have exploded compared to the beginning of his career," Enrique said.
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The 27-year-old has been in fine form, scoring twice against Monaco in December before netting a dramatic winner in the French Super Cup against the same opponents last month.
"He has to be important for the team, not just scoring goals. To score a goal, someone has to give you an assist," Enrique said.
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"What we are looking for with Ousmane is for him to continue to be a determining player, with assists and defensive efforts. Becoming a leader of the team is not just about scoring goals."
When PSG takee on Currently, PSG are the only unbeaten team in Europe’s top five leagues after 20 games, leading Ligue 1 by 10 points over Olympique de Marseille and 13 points ahead of Monaco.
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