“ They can make the players breathe when they play matches just before the Champions League… it’s different for us when we go to Anfield. » Enzo Maresca’s little sentence on Wednesday evening after Manchester City’s defeat against PSG in the Champions League (2-4) did not go unnoticed. With these words, the Italian technician partly justified the failure of his team at the Etihad Stadium by explaining that the Parisians could rest at the weekend, while the Cityzens had the obligation to show their best face at each Premier League match.
To say that the English championship is probably the most competitive in the world is not taking a big risk. On the other hand, underestimating Ligue 1 is more doubtful. This is what Luis Enrique was keen to point out at a press conference, on the eve of going to Strasbourg as part of the 7th day (5:15 p.m.). The Asturian knows what he is talking about since he is starting his 4th season in France. Until then, he had always won the championship, with more or less gap over the competition, but above all, that did not prevent him from winning the Champions League.
“ Before, I heard all the time that PSG would never win the C1, because it was said that Ligue 1 did not have the level »
“ This is the typical noise around a team like PSGwhispers the technician. Before I arrived here, I heard all the time that PSG would never win the Champions League, because it was said that Ligue 1 did not have the level. Now that the club has won, it is also because of this. People always complain, but you get used to it. For us, it’s just hard to keep winning and that’s what we’re looking to do. » The trip to La Meinau (Racing is 11th) is also part of these matches that are far from being won in advance.
The French champion even had to wait until the 4th day, against Brest (0-1), to finally raise his arms this season. Proof that the opponents know how to upgrade, even if PSG has a much better equipped squad, and considerable resources compared to the national competition. “ It’s the noise, it’s like that. You have to accept it. » Certainly, the results of French clubs on the continental scene are not always there, but if so many Ligue 1 players go abroad at the end of the season, particularly to England, it is because there is a reason.
