Last night, on the occasion of the trip from Paris Saint-Germain to Nantes (1-0), Illia Zabarnyi (22) played his very first match under the orders of Luis Enrique by replacing, post for post, Captain Marquinhos. A logical choice, Zabarnyi being announced as the successor to the Brazilian. A rather quiet first for the former boarder of Bournemouth, very little in demand by canaries evolving into a low block. This did not prevent him from receiving the praise from his coach. “”I think the three players we have signed are players who will bring a lot, Lucas and Illia have played today at very good level, these are players who can improve the team. This is the first game of the season, we are quiet and confident“Said the Spaniard at the microphone of Ligue 1+.
A specialty of Luis Enrique
For its part, the one that we already nicknamed “Zaba” obviously appreciated the discovery of the Luis Enrique style after three seasons spent in the Premier League with the Cherries. “”It's different, but I really liked it, I love playing in these teams who have possession, I had a lot of fun. I felt pretty well, the supporters were there, it was appreciable, we feel their support, I do not know my teammates for a long time, but there are incredible players. It was very long, it took time, I am very happy to be here and everyone wants to put me in the best conditions so everything is fine. It's a big club, I have to win duels, I have to win everything, but I like this pressure, it will make me grow. My goal is to help as best as possible, I will fight for them whether in Ligue 1 or in the Champions League. I am very happy here».
Thanks to the truncated summer preparation of PSG, Zabarnyi (which carried out the entire preseason of Bournemouth) will undoubtedly have the chance to appreciate the style of his new team a little more. Parisians are still too physically just and Luis Enrique is forced to make his workforce turn a lot. However, The Parisian tells us that Luis Enrique could reserve a new surprise for us. The former Barça and La Roja coach very quickly surprised PSG followers by repositioning certain players in unexpected positions. The examples are numerous: Warren Zaïre-Emery and João Neves at the post of right side, Achraf Hakimi who is in the middle and the find: Ousmane Dembélé in number 9. A tactical choice that the Parisian technician had often justified since his arrival on the side of the Porte d'Auteuil.
Relieve hakimi
“”I have so many players who can play in different positions. Look at Hakimi, even if he is only lateral, he plays in the middle too. Warren can play as an addicted, in the middle at the lateral back. Kang-in Lee can play winger, in the middle or center-forward. Carlos Soler played a winger, in the middle and lateral. I prefer that. Having resources, because I can change the style of the team and the style of play and make things happen differently without making changes in each match. What don't we understand me? I don't care, I don't care. As long as my players, my staff and I understand, it's enough. Xavi (when the latter was at the head of Barça, editor's note) does the same. Quality players, you have to open their minds. I have always heard a very basic thing: “I only know how to play here, this player can only play here.” Go! It's not good at all. You play where your team needs you you play. If I find better at your post than you, you no longer play? No, we found open -minded players with ambitions“He said in April 2024, just before facing FC Barcelona in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
Well The Parisian assures us that Luis Enrique thinks of doing the same with Zabarnyi. No, the Ukrainian will not be repositioned attacker or winger. On the other hand, Luis Enrique envisages it in his options for the post of right side. The Spaniard believes that Achraf Hakimi has played too much and he must anticipate the absence of the Moroccan who will compete in the African Cup of Nations this season. Warren Zaïre -Emery and João Neves are still among the revenge solutions, but the coach of the Red and Blue obviously has a third alternative in mind. It remains to be seen whether Zabarnyi, who has never evolved in this position before will adapt to the requirements of his coach.
