Champions League: “With Donnarumma, we laughed about it”, plays down Luis Enrique

2023-11-06 23:00:56

Return and revenge. For the fourth day of the group stage of the Champions League, PSG faces AC Milan this Tuesday (9 p.m.) after beating them on October 25 (3-0) at the Parc des Princes. On the eve of this European meeting, Luis Enrique, the coach of Marquinhos’ partners, was at a press conference at San Siro.

What are your feelings on the eve of this meeting?

LUIS ENRIQUE. I am always optimistic, like all coaches. Facing a difficult opponent, in a legendary stadium, the day could prove very important for all the teams in the group. I am optimistic because I see that the players want to start this match.

Does your victory in the first leg make preparing for the return easier?

We have to forget the first leg, it will be another match completely even if it helps us in analysis and preparation. We have a very clear idea of ​​what we want to do: have the ball and create more chances. He is a very strong opponent, with a legendary past, a history, who needs points in this group.

In which areas do you still need to improve?

I’m happy with the attitude. When you win, you can think that things were done well. But there is always room for improvement. I see a very good attitude since day one. The team has been struggling since the beginning, even though we can win or lose. But fighting is the key.

“Zaire-Emery is a diamond”

Warren Zaire-Emery is increasingly decisive. Is this the fruit of your work with him?

It’s a diamond. He is still very young. He has the ability to play with his teammates, to know where to stand, where the others are, how to move based on the movements of others. It’s easy to train a player like him. He is humble, he is 17 years old. He has a very good education and it is undoubtedly the heritage of his parents, the best heritage that one can leave.

Have you discussed with Gianluigi Donnarumma the hostile reception he will receive? How do you judge his progress?

We laughed about it together. He already played here again during an Italy-Spain selection and I was on the bench opposite. It happens a lot in football, this kind of situation where we go from love to hate. We must overcome this and not see it as an additional difficulty. He is improving in all areas, not just in the kicking game. I will be happy at the end of the season if each of the players has improved individually.