Obviously disappointed but far from being desperate by his team’s narrow defeat on the Dortmund pitch, PSG coach Luis Enrique recognized his team’s shortcomings in front of goal but ensured that the game was balanced. He also commented on some of his playing choices, particularly defensively, and scheduled the return match.
We imagine you disappointed with the result. You only made one substitution by bringing in Randal Kolo Muani. But why not use Gonçalo Ramos, who has been in good shape in recent weeks?
“In my opinion, the result reflects the equality between the two sides in this match”
” Good evening. We coaches always make our decisions based on what we consider to be best for our team. Before getting into the debate of judging the changes, it must be said that it was a balanced match between two teams who play good football when they have the ball and who are difficult to deprive of it. Both teams generated a lot of chances and the difference between two similar teams was the goal they scored. In my opinion, the result reflects the equality between the two sides in this match. »
In the quarter-finals, PSG managed to come back one goal behind in the return match (4-1, 2-3 in the first leg against FC Barcelona). Is there any hope left tonight?
“I believe, no, I’m sure, that this is the first time that Dortmund will play their second away match this season in the Champions League. This is also the first time that we will play the second match at home. So these are different and new scenarios. We have nothing to lose. I think everything surrounding the match was incredible. There was an exceptional atmosphere, thanks to the opposing fans but also to our 4,000 supporters who supported us throughout. It will be the opposite in Paris on Tuesday. We need to recover and improve certain aspects of the game, including our finishing. I repeat, but we got a lot of action and we could or even should have scored. It will be an open match, like every match. We will see which version we present. »
Do you have any news from Lucas Hernandez, who was released in the first period and injured in the left knee. Is he already out for the return leg next week?
“I have no additional information than what the doctor gave us when he was released. He couldn’t continue. I don’t know anything more. You will need to follow the club’s medical press release. »
You gave very clear instructions to your midfielders: Ousmane Dembélé was in charge of Emre Can, Vitinha of Julian Brandt and Fabian Ruiz of Marcel Sabitzer. This freed Dortmund’s right side. Why this choice ?
“Clearly, our objective was to press. Dortmund have two ways of playing with the ball: via short passes, but also by playing longer towards Niclas Füllkrug, who is powerful and tall. We tried to protect ourselves on the left side, with two-on-ones for Bradley Barcola to manage. The idea was to always have either our full-back or our winger in a position to help on each long ball. I repeat but they had two options. They can play short and longer if you squeeze them a lot. It was a very competitive match. We lacked intensity and were not able to create enough danger in attack in the first half. But, in the second half we delivered a completely different performance. »
You said it, your team had difficulty starting its match. Is the best observed after the break linked to tactical changes made at half-time or simply to difficulties controlling the pressure and the stakes?
“In the first half, we lacked identity to face Dortmund”
“We haven’t changed anything tactically. Players are not machines or robots. In the first half, we lacked the identity to face Dortmund and play them at home, with this renewed intensity. We should have been more incisive in attack. Then, we offered more things to our opponent, who had to defend his goal in advance. In the second half, I have nothing to reproach my players regarding the state of mind. It’s not related to tactics. But I find this almost equality in the balance of power rather logical. We had clear chances to get back into the match, without a doubt. »
We saw you shake your fist in front of the fans after the match. What is your message before the return match; “nothing is decided, it’s not over”?
“We are not going to make the ball easy for the opponent until the last minute of the return leg”
“Tonight, there were nearly 4,000 PSG supporters who didn’t stop singing throughout the match. On their return, there will be almost 50,000 at the Parc des Princes, compared to around 3,000 Germans. We are not going to make the ball easy for the opponent until the last minute of the return leg. I promise you. Our goal is for our supporters to remain proud of us until the end, until a potential final. It is the objective. »
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