Luis Enrique said his Paris Saint-Germain squad and their summer signings will have to step up after Kylian Mbappé’s departure, but insisted it is only a matter of time before the club wins a first Champions League title.
Enrique was speaking after Saturday’s Coupe de France final victory over Lyon, when Mbappé played his final game before a widely reported move to Real Madrid.
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The Spaniard coached Mbappé in the last of his seven years with PSG, a spell in which the striker scored a record 256 goals and helped the team win 15 titles, including six league trophies.
Enrique, who guided PSG to a domestic treble in his first campaign in charge, said the off season will be key to preparing his squad to live up to expectations in the next term, as no player can replace the France captain.
“I have had the good fortune to coach Kylian this season, it has been a difficult one for him after seven years at his club and all that he has achieved, it is difficult to say goodbye,” Enrique told a news conference.
“There is no substitute for Mbappé, we cannot replace him, we will do it through the team and four, five or six signings we can make.
“Kylian’s replacement will be the team that, along with the fans and our ambition, will try to win everything in the following seasons.”
PSG’s biggest challenge remains the Champions League after extending the wait for their maiden European trophy despite huge investment in the squad following their semi-final loss to Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
“A big challenge for any player who wants to come is that we want to make history and this club will win the Champions League sooner or later, it is difficult, but this team will do it,” Enrique said.
“This season is coming to an end, but negotiations are already starting and there are possibilities to improve the squad, it is still an impressive project.
“A big club is very demanding, the players need to adapt. There is no such thing as a holiday in top-level football.”
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.
