Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has challenged young Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye to raise his level, insisting that competition for places at the club leaves little room for inconsistency.
Speaking ahead of PSG’s league clash against FC Nantes, the Spanish manager addressed Mbaye’s recent absence from the squad and made clear the standards required to earn regular playing time in Paris.
“Every minute you get to play at PSG has to be special,” the Parisian coach explained.
He then clarified his position regarding the Senegalese player’s playing time.
“I have no regrets about Mbaye, but you have to be ready. He was ready, but I expect much more from all the players.
“It’s simply competition; a player has to stay out of the team. You have to make the most of every minute.”
Mbaye, 18, has endured a challenging spell in recent weeks, having been left out of the matchday squad for PSG’s recent defeat to Olympique Lyonnais.
His last appearance came in March against OGC Nice, and since then his involvement has been limited.
The situation highlights the fierce competition within PSG’s squad, where established stars and emerging talents are all competing for limited opportunities.
Mbaye, widely regarded as one of the club’s promising academy graduates, has made 25 appearances this season, including nine starts, but has managed just one goal and two assists.
For a player once viewed as a rising attacking option, those numbers have raised questions about his immediate role in the team.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, his opportunities have become increasingly scarce, suggesting that his development has stalled at a crucial stage.
Luis Enrique’s comments underline a broader philosophy within the PSG setup, where performance and readiness are prioritised above potential alone.
The coach emphasised that even players who have previously shown promise must consistently meet high expectations to remain part of the rotation.
The upcoming match against Nantes could present a new opportunity for changes within the squad, particularly with confirmed absences for Vitinha and Nuno Mendes.
Those gaps may force a reshuffle in selection, potentially opening the door for fringe players like Mbaye to re-enter contention.
As PSG continue their domestic campaign, the focus remains on maintaining performance levels while integrating young talent.
For Mbaye, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether he can re-establish himself within one of Europe’s most competitive squads.
