Ibrahim Mbaye (17), a Paris Saint-Germain striker, will play this weekend with the U19 team against Le Havre, according to Le Parisien. The club denies any disciplinary action. Luis Enrique wants to give the young Parisian the opportunity to get back on track at his age level, after a turbulent few weeks of learning with the first team.
“Within the club, the idea of Mbaye being punished is rejected. Luis Enrique would like to give him the opportunity to prove himself at his age level, according to Le Parisien.”
At PSG, the management of young players follows a precise logic: applying pressure without hindering their progress. By calling up Ibrahim Mbaye (17 years old) to the U19 team, Luis Enrique (55 years old) is applying his preferred method: empowering players. Far from being a punishment, this return to the lower division is akin to a step back, a way to regain confidence, rhythm, and effectiveness.
The Spanish coach wants everyone to justify their place in the first team, regardless of their name or perceived promise. Mbaye, touted as one of the academy’s great talents, now has the opportunity to demonstrate that he can meet this demand. This philosophy is already evident in the management of Zaïre-Emery (19 years old) and Mayulu (19 years old), where meritocracy takes precedence over status.
