Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique gave a frosty three-word reply when asked about leaving Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye out of his squad for Sunday's clash with Lens. The pair watched from the stands at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis as PSG were beaten 1-0 in the Trophee des Champions.
Enrique's brief response
In his post-match press conference, Enrique was asked about the decision and replied: "Thank you, goodbye," before walking out of the media room.
Barcola, valued at £145million, and Mbaye, valued at around £40m, are both targets for Liverpool. The Reds are keen to sign the two wingers in separate deals.
PSG's new signings
PSG brought in Ferran Torres and Mika Godts this week to strengthen their forward line, pushing Barcola and Mbaye down the pecking order. Even with the new signings not ready to face Lens, Barcola and Mbaye were not involved.
Enrique was not pleased after watching his side toil against Lens, who won the Coupe de France last season to set up the clash with Ligue 1 title winners PSG. Florian Thauvin scored just after the half-hour mark before Lens were reduced to 10 men before the break.
Match details
Kyllian Antonio saw red after a late studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche, another forward PSG recently signed. The hosts played with 10 men from the 39th minute onwards but held firm until the teams were balanced out.
PSG had a man sent off in the closing stages, as Nuno Mendes was given his marching orders for an elbow on Michal Skoras. Lens managed to see out the win and shocked the Champions League holders.
Transfer window context
Barcola and Mbaye's futures will now be in the spotlight as the transfer window enters its final two weeks. On Saturday, Enrique made a point that if a player isn't happy at the Parc des Princes, a 'solution' needs to be found.
"We are a very young, very ambitious team," the Spaniard affirmed. "It is important for us to make changes and look for players who enjoy playing our way and who love playing for PSG. That is very clear to us."
"When a player doesn't want to come here, or doesn't have a smile on their face about being here, it is better to find another solution."
