Luis Enrique dismisses reporters with three words after axing both Liverpool targets from PSG squad

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique walked out of his post-match press conference with a blunt “Thank you, goodbye” on Sunday after being asked why Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye were absent from his squad for the Trophée des Champions against Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis — a match PSG lost 1-0.

Barcola, valued at £145 million, and Mbaye, valued at around £40 million, watched from the stands as Liverpool’s reported interest in both wingers continues to grow. The Reds are understood to be pursuing separate deals for the pair, and their conspicuous absence from the matchday squad has only sharpened speculation about their futures.

PSG had moved to reinforce their forward line earlier in the week, bringing in Ferran Torres and Mika Godts. Even with those two new arrivals not yet ready to feature against Lens, Enrique still chose to leave Barcola and Mbaye out — a decision that speaks volumes given the squad’s depleted attacking options on the day.

Florian Thauvin put Lens ahead just after the half-hour mark, and the hosts were then reduced to ten men before the break when Kyllian Antonio received a red card for a studs-up challenge on Maghnes Akliouche — a forward PSG recently signed. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Lens held firm. PSG were further hampered late on when Nuno Mendes was sent off for an elbow on Michal Skoras, and the hosts saw out the victory to deny the Ligue 1 champions a second trophy in five days.

Enrique had offered a broader hint about his thinking on Saturday, when he addressed the issue of player commitment at the club. “We are a very young, very ambitious team,” he said. “It is important for us to make changes and look for players who enjoy playing our way and who love playing for PSG. 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.”

With the transfer window closing in two weeks, the futures of Barcola and Mbaye are now firmly in the spotlight. PSG’s willingness to field a weakened attack rather than involve either player suggests the club may be open to sales — a development that will encourage Liverpool as they look to strengthen their wide options before the deadline.