Luis Enrique’s Passionate Pep Talk with Kylian Mbappe Resurfaces
Following Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the 2024/25 Champions League semi-finals, an intense conversation between Luis Enrique and Kylian Mbappe—after PSG’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona last season—has come back into the spotlight.
Mbappe, widely recognized as one of the world’s top footballers, made the switch from France to Spain in the summer. However, during his time at PSG from 2017 to 2024, he played a crucial role in the club’s success, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 256 goals.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Mbappe’s journey in Paris wasn’t always smooth. After PSG trailed Barcelona 3-2 in the 2023/24 Champions League quarter-finals, his former coach, Luis Enrique, delivered a no-nonsense message to him.
Enrique’s Leadership Challenge to Mbappe: ‘Lead by Example’
As footage of their exchange resurfaced, the 54-year-old coach, speaking assertively, began by referencing Mbappe’s admiration for basketball legend Michael Jordan.
“I’ve read that you like Michael Jordan? Jordan would grab his teammates by the balls and defend like a madman. You need to lead by example—both as a player and a person—by pressing.”
Before PSG’s second-leg clash against Barcelona, Enrique identified Pau Cubarsi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen as key players who could disrupt Mbappe’s approach. He emphasized the importance of pressing high up the pitch.
“You’ll be up against [Pau] Cubarsi. Your job is to press him and [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen. You must keep Cubarsi from progressing and force Ter Stegen to rush his plays.”
Enrique then urged Mbappe to take responsibility beyond just scoring goals.
“You need to track back quickly. Why? Because that’s what a leader does. You think your job is just to score. Yes, you’re a world-class phenomenon, but that’s not enough for me.”
‘Be the Leader PSG Needs’
The coach insisted that true leadership meant contributing in all aspects of the game, not just in attack.
“A real leader steps up even when they can’t score. The other day, top defenders marked you out of the game, but you could have helped with defensive work.”
Enrique challenged Mbappe to rally his teammates and ensure the attacking players set the defensive tone.
“You need to tell the defensive line: ‘Stay back, I’ll take charge up front with my teammates.’ Because if you press alone, it’s not enough.”
“But if you also inspire Ousmane [Dembele], [Randal] Kolo Muani, [Bradley] Barcola, Goncalo [Ramos], or Marco Asensio to press with you, do you know what we’ll have? A f****** machine of a team.”
He concluded with a final call for Mbappe to step up as PSG’s leader before his departure.
“For these last two months, I want you to leave through the front door, Kiki. But you have to earn it—not just by attacking, but by being the best defender on days you don’t score. That’s leadership. That’s Michael Jordan. Got it?”
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