Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has sparked controversy with his recent comments regarding Kylian Mbappe's departure, by asserting that the French powerhouse are playing better in both attack and defense without their former star Kylian Mbappe. Luis Enrique believe that PSG's collective strength has increased, even in light of Kylian Mbappe's departure from the club.

Despite Mbappe's impressive record of 256 goals in 308 matches over seven years at PSG, Enrique believes the team has become stronger. PSG are currently leading Ligue 1, maintaining an unbeaten streak across Europe's top five leagues after 20 games.

Speaking ahead of PSG's match against Monaco, Enrique addressed the media, “I was very brave last season when I told you that we would have a better team in attack and defense. I still think that we are better (in both), the numbers are there to say it. The players took it as a challenge. Of course we would have liked to keep Kylian, because everyone loved him, but the team is responding at a spectacular level,” Enrique said.

Luis Enrique also said that Ousmane Dembele is the player, who he wants to lead the club going forward. "Right now, Dembele is in an absolutely spectacular series. His statistics have exploded compared to the beginning of his career, that's obvious," Luis Enrique said.

"He has to be important for the team, not just scoring goals. To score a goal, someone has to give you an assist. What we are looking for with Ousmane is for him to continue to be a determining player, with assists and defensive efforts.

PSG continues to dominate Ligue 1

After 20 games, reigning champion PSG leads Olympique de Marseille by 10 points and leads Monaco by 13. They are the only team in Europe's top five leagues that have not lost.

After defeating Monaco 4-2 in the rematch in December, they won the French Super Cup 1-0 in January thanks to a late goal from Ousmane Dembele.