Why was Kylian Mbappe left out? Luis Enrique speaks out after PSG superstar comes off bench to score in Nantes win

The French superstar came off the bench to convert a penalty in the 78th minute of the match to seal an important 2-0 win for Paris Saint-Germain over Nantes on Saturday. After the match, manager Luis Enrique revealed the reason why decided to keep Mbappe out of the starting lineup.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Spanish manager said, "It's both very simple and very complicated to explain. We have just played a Champions League match. And given the energy displayed, I think it was important to give playing time to players who had not played.

"We have an ambitious goal, that of being able to fight in all competitions until the end to win titles. We therefore need all the players, including five or six players who did not play as starters on Wednesday."

Earlier this week, the 25-year-old informed his team-mates and the coaching staff that he will be leaving the club as a free agent at the end of the current season. The attacker has been linked with a move to several clubs including reigning European champions Manchester City, but long-time admirers Real Madrid continue to remain favourites to land him ahead of the next season.

Les Parisiens, who now have a formidable 14-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table, will next face Rennes on February 25 in a league clash.