Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappé have “a perfect relationship”, assures the Spanish coach before the match against Metz

PSG coach Luis Enrique took stock of the Parisian club’s first half of the season on Tuesday, on the eve of the last match of the first leg of Ligue 1, against Metz.

An eighth final in the Champions League against Real Sociedad, a first place assured in Ligue 1 at the winter break… PSG coach Luis Enrique took stock of the first part of the season at a press conference, Tuesday December 19, before the final match of the first leg on Wednesday, against Metz.

He notably mentioned his relationship with Kylian Mbappé, who appeared frustrated after missing first place against Dortmund, and whom he had sharply reframed upon leaving: “I understand that Mbappé is annoyed. But it’s me who gives the orders to the team“, he recalled, before moving forward, Tuesday, “a perfect relationship” with the French attacker.

What is your relationship with Kylian Mbappé? How do you describe the striker, who turns 25 on Wednesday?

Luis Enrique : As always, a perfect relationship. We’re not a couple but mainly because he’s the one who doesn’t want to (smile). I don’t know why you keep asking me this question, I’m very close to most of my players. We have always been very close with Kylian. He makes jokes, always laughs. I also like to laugh. We have a very good relationship with the rest of the players (…). 25 years old is super young. I hope he will have even more success here at PSG and that we can help him. He’s fantastic, I know him in person and it’s a chance to have him. The statistics are also impressive. I hope to see him still at the top of world football.

Are you happy with the draw for the round of 16 and coming up against Real Sociedad?

I’m happy because I really wanted to return to Spain. We hoped to return to see our loved ones. We know Real Sociedad very well but also their coach, their supporters and the city, which is one of the most beautiful in Spain. They finished first in their group ahead of Inter, finalist of the Champions League last season. It’s going to be a very difficult match for us.

You indicated that your team was going to be better in February, what are you basing this on? What is your assessment of this first phase?

This is what I really think, and am totally convinced that over the months we will continue to progress. If I’m wrong, I will be heavily criticized but I don’t care. I have been criticized my whole life. That’s my role. I see that the team is improving, a lot of things are being done very well. There is one match left this year, I would like us to be able to offer a victory to our supporters (…). We are still at the beginning of our stage as a staff. I am more than satisfied with this start to the season, with the results. Having such a tough Champions League group gave us a good feeling.

We are first in Ligue 1 and that is the place we would like to occupy throughout the season (..). I change plans a lot because I have a lot of good players. I am a coach who leaves the opportunity and my confidence in all the players to be as competitive as possible.