Luis Enrique said his Paris Saint-Germain squad and summer signings will have to step up following the departure of Kylian Mbappé, but insisted it is only a matter of time before the club wins its first La Liga title. Champions League.
Enrique was speaking after Saturday's French Cup final victory over Lyon, when Mbappé played his last game before his move to Real Madrid.
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The Spaniard coached Mbappé in the last of his seven years with PSG, during which time 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 offseason will be key to preparing his team to live up to expectations next season, as no player can replace the captain. from France.
“I have been lucky enough to coach Kylian this season, it has been difficult for him after seven years at his club and everything he has achieved, it is difficult to say goodbye,” Enrique said at a press conference.
“There is no substitute for Mbappé, we cannot replace him, we will do it through the team and we can make four, five or six signings.
“Kylian's replacement will be the team that, together with the fans and our ambition, will try to win everything in the coming seasons.”
PSG's biggest challenge remains the Champions League after extending the wait for their first European trophy despite huge investment in the team following their semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
“A great 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 achieve it,” said Enrique.
“This season is coming to an end, but negotiations are already beginning and there are possibilities to improve the squad, it is still an impressive project.
“A big club is very demanding, the players have to adapt. In high-level football there are no vacations.”
Reuters reporting contributed to this report.