Coach Enrique may leave PSG after one month of work

France The troubles involving Kylian Mbappe and the departure of football advisor Luis Campos could make coach Luis Enrique consider leaving PSG this summer.

Goal reported on August 3 that coach Enrique's future at the Parc des Princes is becoming uncertain. He is said to be fed up with the conflict between PSG's leadership and striker Mbappe.

The former Barca and Spain coach is also unhappy with the instability at the top of the club. Football advisor Luis Campos, who has been behind PSG's transfers and coaching recruitment since 2022, could have to leave the club at the end of August.

Enrique directed Lee Kang In in the friendly match between PSG and Jeonbuk on August 3. Photo: PSG — Enrique directed Lee Kang In in the friendly match between PSG and Jeonbuk on August 3. Photo: *PSG*

Enrique signed a two-year contract with PSG on July 5. He has only managed five friendly matches. If he leaves in August, the coach who won the treble with Barca in 2015 will be one of the earliest coaches to leave PSG.

Mbappe's future is becoming a barrier to Enrique's rebuilding. On July 21, due to the inability to renew his contract, PSG's leadership removed Mbappe from the squad for the Asian tour. PSG wanted to sell, but the Ligue 1 top scorer of the last five seasons only agreed to go to Real Madrid. Mbappe will become a free agent in July 2024.

Failure to sell Mbappe also leaves PSG without enough money to buy a replacement. If the 88 million-a-season superstar leaves, the French club will have room to sign four or five players. Otherwise, they will be in breach of financial fair play rules.

During the summer transfer window, PSG spent $172 million to buy Hugo Ekitike, Manuel Ugarte, Lee Kang In, Lucas Hernandez and Xavi Simons. They also recruited Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, Cher Ndour and Arnau Tenas on free transfers. In the opposite direction, PSG released Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and sold Ebimbe, Bitshiabu and Mauro Icardi.

Marca reported that PSG is about to buy Ousmane Dembele from Barca for $55 million. Dembele has a release clause of $110 million and he is entitled to half of the transfer fee. However, in order for the deal to go through and not displease Barca, the French striker refused to accept his share.

PSG will begin their Ligue 1 title defence against Lorient on August 12. The Parisians have won Ligue 1 a record 11 times, one more than St Etienne and two more than Marseille. The Champions League group stage, which PSG have never won, begins in September.

Enrique has won two La Ligas, three Copa del Reys, one Champions League and a treble with Barca. On the international stage, he led Spain to the semi-finals of Euro 2021 and the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup. Enrique's most recent official match was Spain's 0-3 penalty shootout loss to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.