Mardiin the cadre of the 5th day of the 2024-2025 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (25th) will face le Bayern Munich (17e) at the Allianz Arena (kick-off at 9 p.m., diffusion on Canal+Foot). On the eve of this meeting, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “He who does not have it, will suffer. Whether it's us or them. »
Since the defeat against Atlético, why do you have confidence for this match tomorrow?
Confidence comes to me every day and every week from my team when I see them practice.
Bayern Munich also like to control the ball, do you expect to suffer tomorrow?
(Laughs) I definitely think we are a lot like Bayern. Both teams want the ball, press high and are aggressive. The stats say we are very close, on offense and defense. Whether in opportunities created and conceded.
The problem is that there is only one ball. Whoever doesn't have it will suffer. Whether it's us or them.
Luis Enrique “We need to raise the level on this pitch. »
How has your team progressed since October and the defeat against Arsenal?
In all our matches except the one against Arsenal, our team had a better performance than the opponent, in the use of the ball, in the defense. We will follow this idea.
Now, tomorrow it will be difficult, more complicated than usual. And we will have to make immense efforts when we don't have the ball. We need to raise the level in this area.
Luis Enrique “What matters are the goals scored and we have to improve. »
Do you think that PSG has a little more pressure? Can it be positive?
It's obvious that we've already played 4 games and there are the results that mean we need points. We don't know exactly how many are needed, but we have to win to move forward.
We brought complications, we didn't get the results we deserved, but that's how football is. What matters are the goals scored and we have to improve.
Luis Enrique “We don't depend on a single player and we want to improve every statistic. »
Barcola is the top scorer in Ligue 1, but he must take a step forward in the UCL?
I believe that if you look at a player's numbers, you also have to look at those of past years. It's difficult for such a young player. You also have to wait until the end of the season.
We have better numbers than last year, we look at our strengths. We don't depend on a single player and we want to improve each individual statistic, of all players.
Luis Enrique “Bayern is one of the favorites in this competition every year, it is a club with a special history. »
Last season, you played against Dortmund, which could be similar, what are you fearing?
We cannot make generalizations. Bayern are one of the favorites in this competition every year, they are a club with a special history.
They're the team I see closest to us in Europe, with maybe Manchester City. She wants to play high and presses very high, very aggressively to get it back. There will be two teams competing against each other with similar ideas. It will be a great match.
Gonçalo Ramos back, is he ready to start?
He is in the final process, with the intention of being able to play, I don't know when.
Safonov is gaining strength at PSG, how do you judge him?
All players must be ready. One of my most important principles is that every player must be ready for every game, all season.
Luis Enrique “We will be courageous, we will take risks. »
Is this match the opportunity for your young team to prove that they can compete with one of the best?
We are at a great level. Whether you like our performance or not, I'm happy with what I see. We can improve, of course.
But we will still play with our idea, play high, press, be aggressive. We will be courageous, we will take risks. This is our way of playing and there will be no other. And if the opponent is better, then we applaud him and we go back to work.
Can Kimpembe play tomorrow or soon?
He's doing much better, he's in the process. It was important that he was in the group and in training. Gonçalo Ramos is more ready to play.
Luis Enrique “all players must be ready, no matter their name. »
Safonov has the profile to play against Bayern's pressing?
Same answer, all players must be ready, no matter their name, whether it is Pepe, Lucas, Antoine or Quentin.
When a team presses high, you have used Dembélé in the middle several times, why?
The opponent's pressing can be fought in several ways. With short passes to try in pressing, it can be a 9 which attracts the balls, it can be deep play. Everyone has their solution. You can choose yours and I choose mine.
Bayern sporting director says PSG tried to recruit Kimmich, why?
I don't make the slightest comment on a player who is not in the squad.
