At PSG, success offers him no respite. On the contrary, it reinforces its demands. Recently extended by the Parisian club until June 2030 and buoyed by the recognition of supporters, Luis Enrique refuses to rest on his achievements. In an interview granted this Monday to PSG TV, the Spanish coach admitted that each of his successes ultimately implied a new responsibility, that of progressing and continuing to win, proving that he deserves the trust placed in him. “I extended my contract and now I have even more pressure to show that I am ready to continue and that I still want to win many trophies with Paris Saint-Germain”notably recognized the former coach of La Roja before returning to Manchester City, Wednesday evening, for the 2nd day of the league phase of the Champions League.
Management at the origin of success
“I am not calmer or calmer just because people tell me they are very happy”he continues. Aware of the current success of the reigning double European champions and the happiness offered to regulars at the Parc des Princes, the native of Gijon nevertheless welcomed the progress made since his arrival in the French capital. “It remains very beautiful, as a coach, to know that his work has been able to bring something to people, and to be able to share such powerful moments with them and with their families”. A speech which does not, once again, attenuate its demands: “I must show that I deserve the trust that has been placed in me”. Complimentary towards its president, Nasser al-Khelaïfi, and the sporting director, Luis Campos, the ex-coach of FC Barcelona also took advantage of this media outing to try to explain his success.
Indeed, Luis Enrique recalled his conception of management, favoring understanding the game over obedience. The Spaniard does not want a team dependent on his instructions, but a collective capable of making the right decisions independently. “I don’t want to be a coach who constantly gives orders and tells players: ‘You have to do this, this and this.’ They must understand the game to make the best decision at each moment. This is the key”recalled the person concerned. This philosophy is accompanied by a human relationship made of proximity, humor and high standards. He likes to joke with his players, to the point that Vitinha has already told him that he doesn’t always know if he is serious. “And I tell him that it’s up to him to interpret it!”he says, laughing. Behind this apparent lightness, the technician above all adapts his speech to each person: some need to be encouraged, others to be pushed more. The objective remains the same: to advance individuals to strengthen the collective.
Luis Enrique, the eternal dissatisfied
This desire for permanent progression also explains his refusal to compare himself to other coaches. In a football where the results fuel the debates and where each result fuels the comparisons, Luis Enrique claims his own path. “Everyone goes on their own path, and that’s something everyone should understand. I have no intention of trying to improve my record or my CV simply to surpass them.he says before recalling his own compass. “Is this the way I want my team to play? Is this how I want her to lose, if she has to lose?” Questions that take on their full meaning when the results are less favorable. Because, in his eyes, defeat should push a coach to question himself rather than renounce his principles. Words confirming the Spaniard’s level of demands, despite the titles piled up since taking office in Paris.
“I have experience in football, but that does not mean that I consider myself always right or that I can no longer progress”. A permanent questioning which therefore constitutes the common thread of his speech, from his management of the locker room to his vision of the game, including his relationship with the supporters. “They have always shown me a lot of respect, including on a personal level, and that means a lot to me”he concludes about the Ile-de-France fans before adding that this affection also represents more pressure, since he wants to continue to progress and bring them even more. You will have understood, for Luis Enrique, the real challenge after winning is ultimately not only to start again but to continue to move forward without ever believing that he has arrived. A state of mind which is bearing fruit, more than ever, and which will once again lead the Rouge et Bleu onto the pitch at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.
