Unexpected! Luis Enrique leaves defensive leader out of PSG squad. What happened?
Luis Enrique has once again shown that guaranteed places simply do not exist in this Paris Saint-Germain squad.
Details: Illia Zabarnyi and Senny Mayulu have not been included in Paris Saint-Germain's group for tonight's Ligue 1 away match against Brest. The decision is consistent with the rotation policy Luis Enrique outlined at the beginning of the season, when the coach warned that the number of available players would force him to leave different footballers out of the squad from week to week.
Zabarnyi's absence is particularly eye-catching. The Ukrainian centre-back has been regularly involved in the first-team rotation, while Mayulu also gives the Spaniard another valuable option in several areas of the pitch. However, the depth available to PSG means that even important players can find themselves outside the matchday group.
Luis Enrique reinforced that message ahead of the Brest game. The PSG coach said that he intends to rotate players in every position and described the current group as the most balanced squad he has ever had during his coaching career. That gives the manager room to make major selection decisions without necessarily changing his overall plans.
The choice comes at an important moment for the Parisians. PSG are still searching for their first Ligue 1 victory of the season after collecting only two points from their opening three matches, while Brest remain unbeaten. It is worth noting that on September 9, Zabarnyi started PSG's 6-1 European victory, while Mayulu came off the bench in the 64th minute.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
