Luis Enrique: “We’re Better Without Mbappé – The Stats Are There”
In a statement that has reignited debate across the football world, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique doubled down on his bold claim from last season: that PSG would be a better team without Kylian Mbappé. Speaking to the press, Enrique stated, “I think I was very brave last season when I said that we were going to have a better team without Mbappé. I still think we are better, the stats are there.”
The comment comes as PSG transition into a new era, with Mbappé expected to leave the club at the end of the 2024–25 season. While many predicted that the departure of one of the world’s most prolific forwards would cripple the French giants, Enrique has maintained that the team’s collective growth, tactical balance, and statistical performance tell a different story.
A Team Rebuilt
Luis Enrique’s PSG has focused on building a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual brilliance. Under his guidance, the team has adopted a more possession-oriented style, with greater emphasis on pressing, fluid movement, and shared responsibility in attack.
Despite the absence of Mbappé in certain matches and his reduced centrality in others, PSG has shown statistical improvements in key areas: a higher average number of goals per game, improved defensive solidity, and a broader spread of goal contributions across the squad.
The Numbers Back Him Up
PSG’s performance in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League supports Enrique’s argument. Their unbeaten run in domestic competition, improved goal difference, and increased chances created per match suggest that the team has evolved. Players like Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Gonçalo Ramos have stepped up, while midfielders such as Vitinha and Zaïre-Emery have found more freedom to influence the game.
A Controversial Stance
Enrique’s comments are not without controversy. Mbappé remains one of the most marketable and talented players in the world. Suggesting that PSG is better without him challenges conventional thinking and may raise tensions within the dressing room or fanbase.
However, Enrique appears unfazed. For him, football is about collective strength, not individual fame. “The stats are there,” he reiterated, a clear message that his belief in the system outweighs sentiment or star power.
Looking Ahead
With Mbappé’s future seemingly pointing toward Real Madrid, Enrique’s PSG looks set to continue its evolution. Whether his bold prediction will hold true in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Luis Enrique has full faith in the path he’s charting—and he’s not afraid to say it.
