Luis Enrique is proving to be a source of frustration for Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish coach has now recorded the worst Champions League statistics of any coach during Qatar’s ownership of the club. Following a crushing defeat to Atlético Madrid, sealed by Ángel Correa’s last-minute goal, Luis Enrique’s struggle to find success in the European Cup has deepened. With two losses in four matches, one draw (at home against PSV), and only a last-minute victory against Girona, the situation looks grim.
The Asturian manager’s record in the Champions League is the worst of any PSG coach in the era of Qatari ownership, with no other manager having worse statistics, having achieved less than 40% in terms of wins. In this current Champions League edition, he has already faced defeats against Arsenal and Atlético Madrid, both formidable opponents that have left PSG in a precarious position.
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Luis Enrique Rethinks After Another European Setback: ‘The Day I Fail Won’t Be with a Journalist’s Ideas’
Despite the setbacks, Luis Enrique remains confident in his project and continues to confront the media. Although he acknowledged that progressing to the next round is under threat—PSG currently not even ranking among the top 24 teams—the former Spanish national team manager threw some barbs, directed partly at his players and partly at journalists.
“The team is responsible for creating 50 goal-scoring opportunities in three Champions matches, and the one accountable for all this is the coach,” Luis Enrique stated during the press conference, while emphasizing that if results are not forthcoming, the blame lies with him. “I’m very upset; my players are too. We will pick ourselves up; there are four very tough matches left, but we will give it our all,” he added.
Luis Enrique appeared deeply hurt by the manner of the defeat against Atlético Madrid. After a barrage of chances, Simeone’s side triumphed at the Parc des Princes with Ángel Correa’s counter-attack goal in the dying moments: “It was quite funny to see how we conceded that goal; it was a joke, the opposing team sneezes and we concede a goal.”
As is often the case, Luis Enrique experienced a tense moment with journalists. When one reporter questioned him about the team’s lack of attacking edge, the Asturian responded sharply: “Bring him to me if you have the striker. Where am I supposed to find him? These are the Champions stats, and I am loyal to my ideas. The day I fail in football won’t be because of the ideas of a journalist or another manager; it will be because of my own ideas.”
Luis Enrique will not change his style at PSG because he is committed to his “ideas” and will continue to implement them. When asked about whether the current situation affected him, he also went on the offensive: “Everything affects a lot. It will affect some PSG journalists… there will be about one in a thousand, of course it affects. Meanwhile, I will keep contradicting you to defend my club and my players.”
