Ask the Player: Enrique Reveals the Senegal Star's Secret

PSG Star Ibrahim Mbaï: Club vs Country Conundrum

Following a standout display for Senegal during the international window, the young winger Ibrahim Mbaï returned to Paris Saint-Germain's bench, sparking questions about his form for club and country.

In a Thursday press conference, Spanish coach Luis Enrique was asked about Mbaï's situation, specifically whether he looks different for Senegal than for PSG.

Enrique replied calmly that he cannot say whether Ibrahim differs with Senegal; he recommended asking the player and stated that PSG has given him significant trust and will keep it.

There are times when the player feels more at ease with his national team and others with his club. This does not change their view of him at all; they hope he shows his quality with Paris Saint-Germain as well.

His remarks follow a strong display with the Lions of Teranga during the international window, in the friendly against Peru (which Senegal won 2-0 at the Stade de France), where the young winger provided a brilliant assist for Nicolas Jackson's opener.

Read also: The mystery around Kamavinga's future... and Paris enters the fray.

Days later, Mbaï scored his third international goal in ten appearances during the 3-1 win over Gambia at Abdoulay Wade Stadium, underscoring his role as a valuable option off the bench for Senegal when he comes on.

However, the player is going through a tough spell at PSG, as he has not played many minutes since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations; in the last 11 matches, Mbaï has largely been a substitute.

Note that Ibrahim Mbaï, regarded as one of PSG's brightest academy talents, has a contract until the summer of 2028, with high hopes that he can establish himself as a key piece in Luis Enrique's squad this season.

Punchline 1: If patience were a stat, Mbaï would already be leading PSG's bench charts.

Punchline 2: The clock at Parc des Princes is an oversized stopwatch — and Mbaï is still waiting for the start signal.