2023-12-14 01:34:39
Half successful bet. PSG is qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions League but, as second in the group, will a priori have to face an opponent in the next round who is today much stronger than them. Paris coach Luis Enrique delivered his analysis after his team’s draw (1-1) this Wednesday in Dortmund.
What assessment do you draw from this group stage? What are your ambitions now?
LUIS ENRIQUE. First of all, I am very happy. We have always, during these six matches, tried to win. The following ? There are 11 new transfers, there is a new staff and there was even a new training campus. In February we will be much stronger. None of the teams that finished first in the group will want to fall on PSG. Ask them.
How stressful was the evening and did you watch Newcastle-AC Milan?
I didn’t look at the score of the other game until I don’t remember what minute. The goal was to win our match. We said it again and again during the break to avoid disaster. In the 85th minute, we realized that Milan were winning and that this victory qualified us. That is what matters. I asked for more control and to take fewer risks but that if we could win, we had to do it. To finish second in such a group, I’m happy. This will allow us to grow. In February, we will be stronger because we will have overcome difficulties.
In which aspects of the game do you think your team will improve?
I think we can progress based on my experience. I have been training professional groups for twelve years. All my teams improve over time. I also trust the professionalism of the club. And if I’m wrong, don’t take away this positive desire.
“There are teams superior to us in the Champions League, I know it and we risk facing them”
Kylian Mbappé wanted to win at the end of the match and seemed frustrated. Did you have a disagreement with him?
It’s normal for players to be frustrated. We missed five chances. We would be stupid to concede a goal in the 85th minute. If the player is frustrated, it’s up to me to manage this risk-taking as a coach. I have to manage tensions, that’s my role. This qualification is a real success in such a group. Some wanted to see us dead but we are still very alive and well.
How do you explain the progression of Warren Zaire-Emery?
His progress is up to him. Much has been said about his professionalism. He’s a special player. He can score at any time. It is a wonder.
Is efficiency your main area of progress?
That doesn’t concern me. We are the team that creates the most. We score all the time. What concerns me, in my principles of play, is the lack of control of the match, when we lose the ball, when the match becomes a back and forth between the two teams. I’m improving this. There are teams superior to us in the Champions League, I know it and we risk facing them.
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