Luis Enrique praised the qualities of the Monegasques, who have been tough and competitive opponents since the start of the season: “It’s the same coach and almost the same team as last year. They are a high-quality opponent both in defense and forward, they manage to create many chances. They are solid and are among the contenders for the title, but we want to do a good result. They have been one of our toughest rivals since the start of the season.”
“A difficult match, but we’re going to win”
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The Spanish coach is aware of the importance of the challenge and the insidiousness of the “Louis II” pitch, but keeps the team’s ambition high: “These are always difficult matches, and when you play away from home, against a direct rival, it’s always tough. But I believe we can be competitive, both at home and away. We will go to Munich with the aim of winning. Every match we we ask how our opponents will play, we analyze how they played against us and against others. It’s difficult to know exactly what they will do, because they are able to vary their playing style.”
Regarding the value of Ligue 1, often underestimated, Luis Enrique defended the championship resolutely: “People always think that we should win the championship without difficulty. But Ligue 1 is a very high level of play, just look at how the teams in Europe play. I know that many coaches come to France and tell themselves that the level is very high .”
Hakimi and squad management
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A key issue for the coach is managing the playing time and physical condition of the players, especially in a busy calendar: “We pay attention to the playing time and physical profile of each player, because each player is different. Achraf Hakimi is at the forefront of all this. He played a lot last season and also participated in the Olympics. We try to rest the players when they need it, but it’s not easy with the schedule we have.”
“I want 16 or 17 starters”
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Luis Enrique underlined the importance of having a large and competitive squad to keep the pace and level of the team high: “It’s a bit utopian to have two players in each position – no coach has that – but it’s something I would like, to have competition for places, to ensure that the players don’t switch off and try to constantly maintain their better level. We don’t want 11 starters, but 15, 16 or 17, to raise the level of training even further, to be competitive in every match, regardless of the competition.”
Dembélé and the manager’s trust
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Finally, Luis Enrique expressed confidence in Ousmane Dembele’sa player he knows very well since his time at Barcelona: “I see him as always, I’ve known him for years. I know his character very well, I’ve always defended him as a player and as a person. I want him to give the best version of himself, but this is a request I make of all my players.” The trip to Monaco represents a crucial step in the title race, with the Spanish coach focusing on the quality and depth of his squad to consolidate his lead in Ligue 1.
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