Three days after its slap in the Champions League against Atlético de Madrid (1-2), PSG is diving back into the French Championship this Saturday. It will be in Angers for the 11th day of Ligue 1, scheduled just before the international break. This Friday, on the eve of this trip and while he is deprived for the first time this season of his defender Willian Pacho, Luis Enrique, the coach of the capital club, was at a press conference.
Is it a good or bad thing to play again three days after a cruel defeat?
LUIS HENRY. It's good. I think it's good, positive to be able to compete again, to have difficulties again. Top players are prepared for this.
Is Désiré Doué still in the learning phase?
There is no mathematical rule. For some, there are more or less facilities. Everyone is different. Most adapt easily, others more slowly. He has a very high level and he must have the right mentality to succeed.
On Wednesday you said after the match: “Bring me this player” when we talked to you about the scorer needed to win matches. Do you want to recruit an attacker?
I don't think I said it like that. I never complain about the players I don't have, the injured ones. No, I don't have a player shortage. With the new market arriving, there are players that we have not been able to bring in. Players wanted to come but their clubs did not release them. Or they had a high price. We are not going to pay exorbitant prices. We will develop the team we have as best we can. He lacks efficiency in the Champions League. We have to unblock ourselves in this competition. It's not by pressing an on or off button, it doesn't work like that. There is a blockage, yes. We will unblock ourselves yes but when? The Champions League is difficult but we have solutions. We have to accept the situation and we will try to resolve the problem with our squad.
What do you expect from the player in the offensive zone?
I could defend the idea of the false 9. I could say what a number 9 is. These are my decisions. I look for the best for my team. What I think is not influenced by the outside world, the press, the critics. We criticize when there is no goal. It's classic. We put players on because we believe they are the best.
Are you in doubt?
Doubts, no. I would rather say an excess of responsibilities. From what I see and feel. Compared to last season, we have the impression that it's another world, the Champions League. We are one of the best teams but we are not favorites in the Champions League. We will be positive and optimistic to improve in the Champions League. I hope in the next match.
How do you feel morally after this defeat on Wednesday?
After a match like Wednesday, it's difficult to talk and analyze because the emotions will absorb everything. The ideal is that there is no press conference afterwards. Even if it's better for the show. Today I feel good, perfect. The more difficulties, the better. I can't wait to improve for the next match. We accept our offensive blocking, there is no denying it. It's general, it's not a particular player. We must overcome this through trust and a collective mentality. I know this is a medium and long term project. There will be ups and downs. In the Champions League, we are in a swampy state against favorite opponents in the competition.
How to overcome this blockage?
These are the dynamics of football. In a positive dynamic, we try to do more. When there is a blockage, it's the opposite, we go down the mountain. We look at what we can do. But I repeat: it's not by pressing a button. We will help players find the solution.
“Luis Enrique’s PSG is all about attacking and putting pressure”
Why are the environments never in excess of function?
It's the opposite. Our midfielders have the obligation to enter the box and make decisive passes. Luis Enrique's PSG is all about attacking and putting pressure. Our numbers are impressive, but there are efficiency issues. You have to see all the positives that there are anyway. Perhaps we need to be calmer, more relaxed in the finishing.
Do you work on finishing in training?
It's very clear. We analyze the video to improve decision-making. We do the specific work for each position in the finish. Like all teams. It's not about focusing on just one thing, otherwise it becomes an obsession. In football, there are missed opportunities. But we will improve and I am sure my players have this ability.
“There are no instructions not to shoot, not to enter the area”
Why does Vitinha score less?
It's the same answer. All players have obligations. It's not a question of strikers, wingers, midfielders. Everyone must be mobile to enter the box with four or five players. We are one of the teams that enters with the most players in the box. Everyone has a responsibility. It's the story of football: some are less good. But there are no instructions not to shoot, not to enter the area.
Do you have a sense of urgency in the Champions League?
The most important match is tomorrow. This is what we need to show for the rest. In the League, there is not this added pressure on scoring. Tomorrow, we will rotate because there are few days between the two matches. We will try to win by finding collective solutions.
Since your arrival, your balance sheet in the Champions League has been poor. How do you explain it?
It's really typical. Last season, we were in the group of death. I accept the statistics but it is partial. Let’s pull out the league statistics too.
