Paris Saint-Germain will not look for a replacement for Kylian Mbappé, head coach Luis Enrique made clear on Saturday evening at the press conference following the victory over Olympique Lyon in the cup final.
"He will not have a successor because he is irreplaceable," said Luis Enrique.
"The whole team will have to cope with his departure. In addition, we can sign four, five, or six players. But the team, together with the fans, will have to do it. Together, we will try to win everything in the coming years."
With Mbappé on board, PSG won no less than fifteen trophies over the past seven years, although the Champions League title eluded them. The 2018 World Cup champion scored an incredible 256 goals for the 1996 Cup Winners' Cup champions. Real Madrid is expected to be the next destination for the 25-year-old forward, although this has not yet been confirmed by either party. On Saturday, Mbappé wanted to focus on the wonderful years he has had in Paris.
"It has been difficult for him," said Luis Enrique about the evening his star player experienced. "He has been here for seven years and achieved a lot."
Mbappé's departure marks the end of an era for Paris Saint-Germain. Since joining the club in 2017 from AS Monaco, Mbappé has been a pivotal figure in PSG's domestic dominance, contributing not only with his remarkable goal-scoring ability but also with his leadership on and off the pitch. His speed, agility, and technical skills have made him one of the most feared forwards in the world.
Throughout his tenure at PSG, Mbappé has formed a lethal partnership with other world-class players such as Neymar and Lionel Messi. Together, they created one of the most formidable attacking trios in football history. Mbappé's consistency and ability to perform in crucial moments have earned him numerous individual accolades, including multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards.
Luis Enrique emphasized the collective effort needed to fill the void left by Mbappé. "Every player in the squad will need to step up and contribute more," he said. "We have a lot of talent in this team, and I believe in their ability to rise to the challenge. Our fans are incredible, and their support will be crucial as we navigate this transition."
The search for new signings has already begun, with PSG reportedly targeting several high-profile players to bolster their squad. The club's management is keen on maintaining their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. However, replacing a player of Mbappé's caliber is no easy task, and PSG will need to rely on a combination of new talent and existing squad members to achieve their goals.
Despite the impending move, Mbappé remained focused on celebrating his time at PSG. "I've had some unforgettable moments here," he said. "The support from the fans, the camaraderie with my teammates, and the guidance from the coaches have all been invaluable. I leave with a heavy heart but also with great memories."
As PSG prepares for a new chapter, the legacy of Kylian Mbappé will continue to inspire future generations. His impact on the club and the city of Paris has been profound, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a lasting void. However, with the right strategies and a united front, PSG aims to continue their pursuit of excellence and finally capture the elusive Champions League title.
