Champions League semi-final: Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has been set a specific challenge by manager Luis Enrique.

PSG head into the home leg against Borussia Dortmund trailing 1-0 after a tight first encounter in Germany. The French giants need to win to progress to the final, with Mbappe’s attacking prowess central to their hopes.

While acknowledging the need for a team defensive effort, Enrique has emphasized Mbappe’s importance in the final third. He wants the star forward to focus on receiving the ball in dangerous areas, where he can exploit Dortmund’s weaknesses and directly threaten their goal

The Context:

• PSG trail 1-0 on aggregate after a tight first leg in Dortmund.
• Mbappe, PSG’s star striker and Ligue 1’s top scorer, had a relatively quiet game in Germany.
• With a Champions League final appearance on the line, Enrique is demanding more from his star player.

Enrique’s “Dangerous” Demand:

• Enrique wants Mbappe to focus his efforts on playing higher up the pitch, in areas where he can directly threaten the Dortmund defense.
• This means less dropping deep to collect the ball and more lurking in dangerous scoring positions.
• Enrique acknowledges it’s a difficult task, as Dortmund will likely avoid giving Mbappe space in those areas.

Why is This Important?

• Mbappe is PSG’s most potent attacker, with a deadly combination of pace, finishing, and dribbling ability.
• Getting him on the ball in dangerous areas is crucial for PSG’s chances of overturning the deficit.
• This tactic requires a balancing act – Mbappe needs to be involved in the game, but not at the expense of his attacking threat.

What Does This Mean for the Second Leg?

• We can expect to see Mbappe positioned higher up the pitch, potentially alongside another striker.
• PSG’s midfield will need to be creative in getting him the ball in dangerous areas.
• Mbappe’s movement and off-the-ball runs will be key to unlocking the Dortmund defense.

This tactical shift highlights the pressure on Mbappe to deliver for PSG. Whether he can rise to the occasion and fire his team to the Champions League final will be one of the key storylines of the second leg.

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.