Amid questions about Arsenal, the Champions League final and the physical state of his group, Luis Enrique also took the time, during the media day organized this Wednesday at the PSG Campus, to talk about his closest entourage. In a more relaxed atmosphere in front of the media, the Parisian coach spoke at length about Rafael Pol and Joaquin Valdes, two essential members of his staff for many years and pillars of his daily functioning.
Very smiling when discussing this subject, the Spanish technician insisted on the human and professional relationship which links him to his assistants, while recounting with humor the regional rivalry which opposes him to Joaquin Valdes since their Asturian origins. “I need a lot of time to describe them. Rafael Pol is brilliant in all aspects of the game. I have known him for a long time. He started as a physical trainer. Then we evolved together. He is my right hand in personal and professional life. Joaquin Valdez has been the only person with me since day one. It’s difficult because he was born in Oviedo and I in Gijon. There is a difference of 28 kilometers. It’s like Paris and Marseille. We are a good combination. He is an important person for me in my development as a coach. I was different as a player. On the pitch, I am calmer as a coach than a player. He is responsible for it“.
