Luis Enrique (foto: Getty Images)
PSG coach Luis Enrique abruptly ended his press conference after being repeatedly questioned about Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, who are both being linked with Liverpool.
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Luis Enrique was already dealing with the disappointment of losing the French Super Cup, but questions about the futures of two Paris Saint-Germain players finally tested his patience.
PSG suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against Lens, but the biggest drama came after the final whistle when the Spanish coach abruptly walked out of his press conference.
The reason was not the defeat.
Journalists repeatedly questioned Enrique about the absence of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, two wingers who are being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
Luis Enrique refuses to discuss transfers
Enrique initially attempted to shut down the discussion, explaining that he did not intend to speak about transfer matters while the window remained open.
He indicated that he would address the situation once the transfer window had closed.
The questions continued.
Reporters wanted to know whether Barcola and Mbaye had been left out of the squad because of Liverpool's interest and whether their departures were becoming increasingly likely.
That was enough for Enrique.
Visibly irritated, the PSG coach responded simply:
"Thank you and goodbye."
He then stood up and walked out of the press conference, bringing the media session to an unexpected end.
Liverpool interested in both PSG wingers
The questions surrounding Barcola and Mbaye have intensified because neither player featured in PSG's recent European Super Cup match against Aston Villa.
They were then absent again against Lens, increasing speculation that something could happen before the transfer deadline.
Liverpool have reportedly identified both players as potential attacking reinforcements.
Barcola, 23, joined PSG from Lyon three years ago in a deal worth approximately €45 million.
Since arriving in Paris, the French international has registered 39 goals and 37 assists in 152 appearances. Transfermarkt currently values him at approximately €90m.
Mbaye represents a different profile.
The 18-year-old developed through PSG's academy and has already accumulated 42 senior appearances, scoring four goals and providing four assists. His estimated market value stands at around €30m.
PSG face crucial final weeks of transfer window
Losing one winger would represent a significant decision for PSG. Losing both to the same club would become one of the biggest stories of the closing stages of the transfer window.
Luis Enrique, though, clearly has no intention of discussing their futures publicly for now.
After PSG's defeat against Lens, the message to journalists was short and unmistakable: wait until the transfer window closes.