Luis Enrique plotting to use Kylian Mbappe for the first time against Toulouse

On Saturday, Aug. 19, PSG will take on Toulouse for MD2 of Ligue 1 on the road and trying to get their first win of the season after failing to do so on MD1 when they hosted Lorient and were held to a goalless draw.

Kylian Mbappe is expected to make his season debut after returning to training with the rest of the first-team members of PSG last weekend.

Luis Enrique addressed the media at the Poissy Campus on Friday and everybody was waiting for his assessment of the Mbappe situation.

Enrique expressed satisfaction with the Frenchman's return and availability going forward, noting the player's fervor and positive mindset throughout this tumultuous time. As a true world-class talent, Mbappe's comeback is embraced by the PSG manager and it's more than expected to help the team progress through the Ligue 1 and Champions League stages this season.

Enrique revealed that player votes have determined the captain this season, which wasn't named by him personally. While not wanting to impose his choice, he affirmed that Marquinhos remains one of the four player-appointed captains.

As for lineup news, Enrique sees the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe in the starting XI, and the coach emphasized the importance of putting together a balanced team while underlining the necessity of both offensive and defensive prowess and effort.

Enrique acknowledged the need for the team to enhance attacking synchronicity, especially among great players who naturally form quick connections. The balance between defense and attack was worked on through dedicated training sessions this week, according to Enrique.

When queried about Dembele's potential debut in a starting role, Enrique confirmed his readiness to take the field from the first minute.

Finally, reflecting on Neymar's departure from PSG after a six-year tenure, Enrique regarded it as the best decision for all parties involved. He acknowledged Neymar's world-class status and appreciated his conduct during their brief time together in Paris while the club and the player, with the coach caught in the middle, negotiated an exit.

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