It’s back to business for PSG. After an international break, which went smoothly this time, and players returned to form, the capital club is approaching an essential block in its season. 8 matches are on the program, two in the Champions League (Tottenham and Athletic), starting with Spurs on Wednesday for a flavor of revenge for the European Super Cup, 4 in Ligue 1 (Le Havre, Monaco, Rennes and Metz) then will come the Coupe de France and finally the Intercontinental Cup, in Doha what’s more.
The capital club is not in its best period to face this intense series of matches and trips. There are still the injured (Nuno Mendes, Doué, Dembélé, Hakimi) and the low temperatures are arriving. From Saturday, we will have to host Le Havre, 12th in Ligue 1, on a series of 4 matches without defeat (2 wins and 2 draws). Luis Enrique doesn’t even know yet what elements he will be able to field on the field, he who did Thursday’s training with only 6 outfield players plus three goalkeepers. Today’s session should provide an answer.
“You must have all the players available»
“There are only a few players left during the international break, often they work at home. Yesterday on the return they found the feeling with the ball but you can’t do anything from a tactical point of view. It was a session, not difficult, but different. I like to have all my players for a training session», Explains the Asturian at a press conference. The technician knows it, his team has been experiencing more difficulties since the start of the season, without preparation, injuries, and after so many victories in the spring. Regenerating bodies and heads takes time.
Style coach, Luis Enrique understands what his team is going through. For the moment, he is satisfied with the three points which allow him to stay the course. “For victory it is enough. I hope we can train with the whole team. We are confident about our level but we must have all the players available.» Even the arrival of Le Havre at the Parc (9:05 p.m.) is a test. “Last year it wasn’t easy. It will be the first match after the break and they are different matches because it’s easy for the players not to be focused enough. It will be difficult to take three points, as usual against Le Havre.»
A first title to get in December
“We are motivated to improve in the next eight gamescontinues the coach, determined to see things fall into place for the future. We are looking to improve, we are looking to continue at the top of the championship, we want to continue in the Champions League to know our place, we will soon start the (French) cup too. We want to work with the mentality of winning everything.» If the season is still long and arrives in a month to half, that of PSG could well experience a turn during this very particular block of matches where there is even a first title to be sought.
