After a PSG/Saint-Etienne win (2-1) but not necessarily very convincing at the end, it was in Spanish that Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference, he who had spoken in French to the broadcaster. He warmly congratulated the opponent and mentioned some individual cases such as the returning Hernandez or Barcola and his doubts but also the transfer window. Here are his full remarks, translated by us.
What do you think after this short but precious success against Saint-Étienne (2-1), and in particular of the performance of Ousmane Dembélé, author of a double?
“I found us a little disconcerted during the first 15 minutes of play”
“First of all, I would like to congratulate Saint-Étienne, because I really liked the way they entered the match without fear, attacking, contesting every ball, throwing cleanly and pressing us high. They were brave and daring. I think they had a great match. About us, I found us a little disconcerted during the first 15 minutes of play. Saint-Étienne made life difficult for us, but afterward, we played at a good level. We created a lot of scoring chances, as usual. And to create chances, you have to be better than your opponent. I would say we were relatively inspired when it came to scoring, but we could have scored more goals.
You tend to focus on those who score. Me, as a coach, I rather want to promote the whole team. We’re happy that it’s Ousmane (Dembélé) today. At the start of the season it was more Bradley (Barcola) who scored. But we also want (Achraf) Hakimi, Kang-in Lee, Joao (Neves), Fabian (Ruiz), Vitinha, Warren (Zaire-Emery) to join the party. Gonçalo (Ramos), too, of course. The more players you add to this goal party, the better, of course. That’s what we call a team: enjoying the best moments of each player. »
A small transfer window question concerning Randal Kolo Muani, who was not called up for this match. We are talking about him at Juventus Turin. Is this an interesting option for him?
“(in French) I don’t know. The transfer window reminds me more of fruit and vegetable markets, bread… (in French) bakeries. Nothing to say. »
Bradley Barcola created a lot of chances this evening, but lacked the technical accuracy to score. How to restore his confidence?
“For Barcola, it’s more a question of confidence than technique”
“It’s more about confidence than technique. This is what I always try to pass on to my players. Barcola is a sensational, exceptional player (he emphasizes these words). He is exactly the same as at the start of the season. Because he no longer scores, he would be a bad Barcola? No. He remains the same exceptional player as the one we recruited in Lyon for his qualities and specificities (in 2023). He may be in a period of no confidence, it’s true. What is important to us? Let an offensive player bring what he needs to bring to the team. He doesn’t score but he gives assists and he improves his defensive work. We are a team. We have to adapt to our players and give them confidence. But, yes, he is not going through his best period, but it will come back, because he is a great player. »
Lucas Hernandez made his return as a starter. What did you think of his performance?
“Lucas Hernandez is a guarantee, a competitive player”
“Lucas Hernandez is a guarantee, a competitive player. He has a smile every day in training. He went through a difficult time and recovered very quickly from a very serious injury. He takes advantage of every minute of play and every opportunity to play. He was sensational today. We chose to only play it for 60 minutes, to gradually increase the workload. He is a very high level player, who is always 100%. There is no side match for him. I congratulate him. I think the central hinge, both (Lucas) and Beraldo, were both incredible. »
Gonçalo Ramos started at the forefront of the attack this evening. What did you think of his performance?
“It’s a game we should have won with a bigger goal difference than 2-1, given the number of chances created and the situations in our favor. Maybe not that we weren’t very precise in concluding our actions, but that’s what has characterized us since the start of the season: we create a lot but we struggle to score goals. We must continue to generate confidence and morale good enough for players to believe more in themselves in this area. Since the most important thing is to be decisive, because to win matches you have to score goals. What we could control, we did. And for the rest, I think we were pretty good. »
It seems that when PSG has control of the ball and is leading the score, the players are perhaps playing at 30 or 40% of their capacity. Is it because it’s too easy for them? And was Zaire-Emery’s entry into play intended to keep the score in your favor?
“No, no, I don’t see it that way. If we had played at 40%, Saint-Étienne would have won the match. That’s for sure. We had to remain very attentive. I didn’t like the start of the first half at all. We were perhaps surprised by the audacity of Saint-Étienne. But I believe that no player who wears the PSG jersey thinks that he can stay on the pitch giving only 40% of his abilities. Never. I already don’t accept it in training. Being demanding with the profile of players that I have available is important. It is the responsibility entrusted to me by the club to advance a very high level group. I don’t accept anyone’s 40%. »
Fewer lateral passes and more offensive full-backs for a month. What explains this different game from PSG?
“We are the same PSG as last season, with an evolution, of course”
“No, I don’t agree, sorry. We are the same PSG as last season, with an evolution, of course. This is our goal. We never want to be predictable. Quite the contrary. There is progress compared to last season. I told you last year that we would be better in attack and defense. You obviously have to win titles to prove it concretely. But I like what I see. The competition within the team is important to continue to progress. What I observe during each training session reinforces my idea. I hope the team will continue in this vein throughout the season. This is my goal as a coach. »
Alongside your match this evening, the final of the Spanish Super Cup was being played between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid (5-2 victory for the Catalans). Are you going to watch the match tonight before going to bed?
“No, no, I’m really exhausted. Did Dani Olmo play? Yes ? I’m very happy for him and I wish him the best. »
NB : Dani Olmo played, Kylian Mbappé missed.
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