SATURDAYin the cadre of the 18th day of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Lens (7e) au Bollaert Stadium (kick-off at 17h, diffusion on beIN SPORTS). On the eve of this meeting, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “There are still many matches to win to be champions. »
At what level of maturity is your team?
Honestly, I think the team is in one of the best moments of the season with what I see, especially in training.
Do you already feel like champions with your lead?
No, Marseille is 7 points from us, Monaco a little further. The schedule is very demanding. There are still many matches to win to be champions.
Luis Enrique “I find him on the same line as usual. »
Nuno Mendes approached by other clubs and concerned about discussions for his future?
No, I find it on the same line as usual. This is a question for him, not for me. I see it very well.
What lessons from the 2 matches against Lens this season?
Each match was very different. The first was a team that pressed more, in the second Lens was more waiting. Everything was difficult, it will be the case again tomorrow in a special stadium, with a very nice atmosphere. This is a big motivation for us.
Could you protect players tomorrow against an aggressive opponent?
No, you have to play Football and have fun, there is nothing to protect.
Luis Enrique “Football is among the most important and least important things in life. »
What are the reasons to hope for a good match for PSG in Lens and against City?
I believe that tomorrow we will see a very good match, which will be intense and difficult. It was like this the last 2 times.
Are you expecting a player today at PSG?
You can answer, I have nothing to say (smile).
Barcola said he had personal concerns. How can the club help?
I hadn't heard the statement, but Bradley is acting as usual. But I agree, football is not everything in life. To sum it up, football is among the most important and least important things in life.
I see Barcola as usual, he was also decisive, notably with a goal, that can help him. He can still progress. All players have ups and downs, there is nothing linear about high level football.
Luis Enrique “The objective is to use players according to the interests of the team. »
Could Barcola play again on the right? How did you prepare for the association with Hakimi?
I am open, as usual, to all possibilities. He can play every offensive position. He played a lot on the right in U21 with France. He has versatility and I like that. The goal is to use players according to the team's interests.
Could Tape replace Skriniar? Would there only be two right-handers left in defense with Marquinhos?
We can play with two left-handed central players. It's a cliché to say that we couldn't, that we need different feet. Oddly, this doesn't bother with 2 right-handers. There is no problem in the team planning, we will see at the end of the transfer window who has left and who has come.
-Luis Enrique » I don't limit my players. »
Few strikes from PSG at the entrance to the area and a little further, is that secondary for you?
It's a priority, all possibilities to score are good. We are more into combinations, but we have to use everything. I don't limit my players. But depending on the profiles, there are things that we do more. We scored from outside the box and I'm very happy with that.
It was your late daughter's birthday, what is your strength to move forward?
It's easier than it looks. I have an incredible memory, my daughter loved the holidays. I'm sure wherever she is, she's still partying. I have a huge memory of her in the Champions League final won with Barça, she planted a flag. I hope she can do it with PSG.
We all love good things, but we also have to overcome bad things.
Luis Enrique “We are optimistic and prepared for what happens. »
An obligation to have a good game and a good result before Manchester City?
We are in a good dynamic. We know the importance of the match coming up in the Champions League, you have been talking about it for weeks. It would be better to arrive with a victory, but we will have time to talk about this match. We are optimistic and prepared for what is to come.
Sometimes you try to steal a player in your choices? What are the criteria for choosing a holder?
These are very diverse reasons. If I have 6 attacking players, if I see them completely on fire in training, then they play. If there is a tie, then there is a turnover. What matters is that the team is solid, compact, that everyone can play. But when a player is in a state of grace, I use him more.
I like to see over the last few weeks that everyone can play. There is competition, so players have a higher return. There are other ways of looking at it and that's respectable.
Luis Enrique “I consider that he is not yet at the level for the competition. »
When will Dembélé and Marquinhos return?
I don't know. Marquinhos is doing well, but he couldn't train today. Dembélé has a virus, nothing serious but he can't play tomorrow.
Are there priority positions for recruiting in this transfer window?
This is a goal that we cannot have over one, two or three years. There are limits, players who leave. But we would like to have 2 players per position, knowing that it is almost impossible.
Do you understand the importance of Kimpembe at the club, will there be special management for him?
It's simple, I'm delighted and I really want him to get back to his best level. But I consider that he is not yet at the level for the competition. I would love to have him, with his leadership qualities, but it's difficult to explain without it being misinterpreted. No coach doesn't want to use a player who is in the best condition. When he is, he plays. Today, this is what I see.
Luis Enrique “Vitinha has the same role as last season. »
Vitinha will have the keys to the game like against Real Sociedad?
Was it me who took away the keys? (smile) Vitinha has the same role as last season, he is a key, important player. He is at a very high level. There is the development of Vitinha which is very positive. I like what I see, whether he scores more or fewer goals. Its performance is top notch.
I hope he continues like this. Of course, if he can have better stats all the better. His presence or not in the opposing camp depends on the circumstances and the opponent.
