While Paris Saint-Germain must meet Newcastle at St James’ Park during the 2nd day of the Champions League after their inaugural victory at the Parc des Princes against Dortmund for their entry into the running in the most prestigious of European competitions, the men of Luis Enrique had to first go to the Clermont pitch in order to continue their impressive series of victories and thus best prepare for the trip to England. Unfortunately, the Parisians were tripped up at the Gabriel-Montpied stadium.
The red lantern in Ligue 1 thwarted PSG thanks in particular to a great Mory Diaw who foiled all Parisian attempts (ten saves). Also well helped by the post, the Clermont goalkeeper was the great architect of this draw for the locals even if his counterpart on the other side of the field was also decisive. After the match, Luis Enrique even apologized for this disappointing result. “I feel sorry because it was a competitive and difficult match, we knew it before the match but I think we created more chances than Clermont and we should have won this match”also confided the Spanish coach.
An unworthy lawn according to Luis Enrique
If Luis Enrique was therefore logically disappointed after this small point taken in Clermont, the Parisian technician did not want to attack his players. Indeed, the Spanish coach justified this poor performance by returning to the state of the Clermontois pitch. “I am happy with the performance of the players. In the first half, we should have been more aggressive but I don’t know when you see the ball going from one side to the other. It was hard to play on this pitch, the ball bounced a lot in a bad way. It was difficult conditions for us”launched the PSG coach before continuing his argument.
“We try to create and win matches. And the attackers especially. They are trying to score goals. It was almost impossible to hit well and especially in the right way. Every time it bounces. I know the pitch was new as they changed it three days ago. But we were unlucky to have a pitch with good conditions.” Despite this observation, PSG will have to do much better if they wish to take the three points on Newcastle’s pitch. Answer next Wednesday!
