A few days after the slap received on the pitch at St James Park against Newcastle (4-1), during the 2nd day of Group F of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain must now move on and refocus on the next deadlines. The time has come to stand against Stade Rennais at Roazhon Park. This Saturday noon, Spanish coach Luis Enrique answered questions from journalists present at the Poissy training center. For this trip to Brittany, the Rouge et Bleu will still have to do without Marco Asensio, Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes, who recently had surgery.
“We did what we normally do after a match, we analyzed in depth, we saw what we can improve. The result does not reflect the difference between the two teams at all. Mistakes cost us goals. This is an atypical result. In my career I have lost a few times by big margins. But it was a strange match but I liked the attitude of my team”, he first detailed, largely defending the results of the European meeting against the Magpies, despite a dry and painful result. And it was a somewhat angry Luis Enrique who presented himself at a press conference this Saturday noon, not hesitating to respond curtly to certain questions.
He defends Mbappé and Dembélé!
Singled out for his recent performances, despite a flamboyant start to the season, Kylian MbappĂ© does not go through the criticism but Luis Enrique demands a little more moderation from journalists: “I remember that two or three weeks ago, in this same room, I was asked here if we were dependent on Kylian because he had just scored seven or eight goals. Now you ask me what Kylian should do because he hasn’t scored in his last matches… We have to be a little more normal. He is 100%. Players go through different states throughout a season.he clarified before continuing, “He’s not Superman when he scores eight goals and he’s not a normal player when he doesn’t score. Everything is not black or white, there are nuances all the time. Kylian is a vital and decisive player for us. He is a decisive player. My goal as a coach is to highlight his strengths and not see his faults.
Same observation for Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©, author of only one assist since his arrival at PSG and still waiting for his first goal, the native of Gijon wants to defend his player: “The problem with journalists is that it’s either all negative or all positive. I’m happy with Ousmane’s performance. I don’t believe in putting pressure on the players (…) To play with a 10, you have to change your system, depending on the position of the ball, you position yourself in one way or another . With us he plays on the side but he can play inside, he can come on support. He is a very complete player, ideal for a coach with my philosophy, he will create imbalance but he was good at Newcastle. I am very happy with him and his attitude”analyzed the former FC Barcelona coach.
On several occasions, Luis Enrique, annoyed and frustrated, wanted to defend his record, his system and his work with a somewhat virulent tone: “Do you know how many years I have been coaching at the highest level? A lot. I try to help the players. Sometimes the coach makes mistakes, sometimes it’s the players, it’s a team. We have to adapt and I have to look for the best way to play. Football is a game of mistakes, for everyone. We all make mistakes. I trust what I see. I am convinced that we will succeed. The game ideas must allow you to dominate the match. We want to get trophies, I’m not afraid to say it. If we don’t succeed, I will be the culprit.”. And to bounce back, PSG will first have to reassure observers and supporters tomorrow in Rennes…
