It was Luis Enrique who was very satisfied with PSG’s victory against Rennes (3-1) who presented himself at the press conference. If he returned to his team’s poor end to the match without really making it an important event, the Parisian coach was above all delighted with the rest: the collective performance but also the individual performances of Barcola, Lee, Hakimi and João Neves . Here are his full remarks, translated by us.
Are you fully satisfied with PSG’s performance against Rennes (3-1) this Friday evening? What justifies your team’s loss of momentum in the last 15/20 minutes?
“We lost control of a home game, a typical scenario when you lead 3-0 or 3-1”
“I am very satisfied, I confess. I am very happy with the match. I think we were very superior to Rennes. We scored three goals but we could have scored many more given our chances. It was very good. I really liked this match, except for the last 15 minutes. We lost control of a home game, a typical scenario when you’re leading 3-0 or 3-1. We are much better at attacking than defending. During these last 15 minutes, we accumulated easy turnovers and we had less of the ball than usual. This is the opposite of what we demonstrated before. But, it remains a very important victory against a very good opponent. And then, those are three more points. »
To return to this turning point in the match with the penalty whistled in the 75th minute of play. In your opinion, did your triple change (in the 69th minute) have a link to the change in the nature of the game?
“I understand that these 15 bad minutes can excite you, but I especially keep the previous 75”
“I don’t think so. The attitude must remain the right one. We must not individualize things. I understand that these 15 bad minutes can excite you, but I especially remember the previous 75 during which we were far superior to the opponent. We multiplied the chances by playing attacking football and pressing high. These bad minutes belong to the coach, the whole team, not just those who come on. »
We’ve been talking a lot about Bradley Barcola recently, and you’ve calmed things down on him. How can we explain that he has very disappointing evenings and others where he seems untouchable?
“Give me the name of a player who is still good in the history of football. I don’t believe there is just one. It’s very annoying, especially when we’re talking about a young player (22 years old). But even in the case of a 30-year-old player in reality, because no player plays well all the time. I’m sorry, but I’m bored talking about this (he repeats himself). Yesterday Bradley was the devil and today he is God. Please, let’s raise the bar (he repeats himself again). »
What did you think of Kang-in Lee’s performance as false number 9? He seems to facilitate the game with his technical talent.
“Lee has an essential characteristic in our game: he does not lose the ball”
“I totally agree. Kang-in Lee is such a versatile player… He has one essential characteristic in our game: he doesn’t lose the ball, even if he is pressed and squeezed up close. He played much freer inside the game, occupied the spaces well and made his teammates shine. He was exceptional. He had the chance to score a clever attacking goal, as a fox. He is intelligent, gives us continuity and kept the ball when we needed it. He’s a different player who can do everything. He played a very complete match and I am very happy with him. »
Another very successful player this evening: Joo Neves, who multiplied his short and long passes, and appeared very available. What is his room for improvement?
“We don’t know. It was his birthday this Friday. He celebrated his 20th birthday by giving himself the best gift you can give yourself: enjoying a very high-level match. He has a great ability to handle the ball, exert pressure, recover balls and anticipate. It’s a pleasure to have players of this level and who have this mentality. »
This question may seem negative to you (Luis Enrique is already laughing). Your team had some small absences this evening, particularly on defensive set pieces. Does this worry you before going to Arsenal, who are very successful in this area?
“Our opponents are creating a lot fewer chances than last year, but you don’t talk about that”
“I think football is unfair to us. Our opponents are creating a lot fewer chances than last year, but you don’t talk about that. The team presses much better and is much more stable than last season. Even if we conceded a penalty that came out of nowhere this evening. But we are not perfect, no, and we never will be. It’s usual for the press to talk about us with this ambient negativity around the club. It’s recurring with PSG. If we look at the stats from this start of the season compared to last year, the numbers will be infinitely better. But you’re not going to ask me that at a press conference. You’re going to talk about this or that…”
Achraf Hakimi was extremely offensive and even scored a disallowed goal this evening. What do you think of his performance and can he still improve his game?
“Of course he can still improve things. He is an indisputable holder. He is incredible on offense and defense. But he has a lot of room for improvement. If he has this hunger, this desire, he will improve. He can play inside or outside, even as a number 9 in sequences. He can score goals, give decisive bases. He has already reached his level from last year and can still do better. It’s my job and my wish to help him do even better. »
Rennes is a team that is renowned for its pressing. You notably used Kang-in Lee as a false number 9 to thwart this Breton individual marking. Tell us about it.
“I repeat that I am very happy with the content and the result”
“Rennes has achieved very good pressing since the start of the season, yes. When we talk about being a versatile team capable of handling everything, we need to know how to deal with high pressure and close to our goal. Lee played a major role with his back to goal in particular. He was exceptional in this area. (Bradley) Barcola and (Ousmane) Dembélé also knew how to manage this during the first minutes of the match. These are situations that we work on and are prepared for. However, this involves great risks, because if you lose the ball, your opponent can hurt you very much. Today, it was very important to know how to overcome this pressure and not let Rennes settle in our camp. I repeat that I am very happy with the content and the result. »
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