On the eve of the long-awaited shock against Arsenal in the semifinals go to the Champions League, the atmosphere around Paris Saint-Germain could seem slightly gloomy. The first defeat of the season in Ligue 1 conceded against Nice (1-3) last Friday, ending the invincibility series, was able to instill a slight doubt. But that was without counting on Luis Enrique. Far from being concerned or shot dead, the Spanish coach posted remarkable confidence and determination at the match -monitoring press conference on Monday, sweeping away the ambient pessimism and delivering a strong message of serenity and ambition.
“Exceptional state of mind”, “worried zero”: Luis Enrique displays his confidence
Asked about the somewhat less flamboyant recent pass of his team, Luis Enrique immediately defused any concern: “I don't worry me,” he said. Better still, he praised the mentality of his group: “The state of mind is exceptional. The saddest of the group is me so imagine how others feel! »»
Faced with what he perceives as a “negative climate”, he was almost unbeatable for observers:
“You can send me your sometimes negative reflections and questions, I don't fear anything!” A way to blinder your group and assert your total confidence in your players.
The provocative confidence of Luis Enrique who annoys (or reassures?) Before Arsenal!
“A much better team today”: Enrique believes in his players
This unshakable confidence, Spanish draws it from the progress of his team throughout the season. Comparing current PSG to that of the start of the competition, it is categorical: “We are a much better team today. »» He believes that the
“Very intense league phase” has hardened his group (“it has worn us”) and that Paris can be considered “Among the best” in Europe, in the same way as Arsenal, a team as PSG
“Renders” in its structure and quality. He also defended Vitinha, who had been self -criticism:
“I think Vitinha and all the other players have a very high level, I guarantee it. »»
Vitinha in tune: “concentrated at 1000%”
This positive discourse and this concentration on the European objective seem to be shared by the players. Vitinha, present alongside her coach, confirmed the state of mind: “We are going to be 1000% for this match, we are not going to think of Nantes or Nice (…) It is behind us, we are concentrated. »» He swept the idea of fatigue to explain his own recent performances (“It's human, it happens”) and promised, like his teammates, to “Give everything” For supporters, without looking for an excuse or a favorite status (“I find that there is no favorite tomorrow”).
Pass a course: final objective and tactical keys
The objective is clearly defined by Luis Enrique: “Pass an additional step” Compared to last year's semi-final. For this, he is on a whole group
(“All players are available”) and identified the tactical keys, in particular “Management of pressing, withdrawal”. While respecting Arsenal (“One of the best European teams”), his focus is total on his team: ” I like my team the most, that's why I'm here. »» Paris arrives in London with a plan and confidence displayed by her boss.
