“The first 20 minutes, Milan are better than us”: Enrique’s self-criticism despite PSG’s victory

2023-10-26 01:17:51

Two home games, two victories, zero goals conceded, six points, the slap from Newcastle (4-1) erased: PSG regained the lead of its group in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. By ousting AC Milan (3-0) thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani and Kang-In Lee, a month after its success against Dortmund (2-0). Enough to satisfy his coach, Luis Enrique, who came to a press conference after the match.

After Milan’s good start, did Kylian Mbappé’s goal free you?

LUIS ENRIQUE. Well done ! That’s exactly it. The first 20-25 minutes were for the Milanese. They impressed us, we made a lot of mistakes, it generated a lack of confidence. The goal reassured us. We managed to finish the first half better but Milan remained superior. And afterward, we were a different team, with more confidence. Ousmane’s (Dembélé) goal gave us confidence even if it was canceled. We insisted and the second part of the match was really better.

Does Zaire-Emery, who is only 17 years old, continue to surprise you? Does he deserve a call-up to the France A team?

That’s Didier’s (Deschamps) work, not mine. He’s a surprising player, young as you said, and who does everything well, in attack and defense. He has a good vision of the game, he knows how to make decisive passes. At his age, he is a perfect example for all young people who dream of becoming professionals. I am very happy for him.

What exactly is Vitinha’s role?

It’s not easy to explain. It depends on where the ball is and where Kylian is. He can play outside or inside the game. He has a lot of volume, availability and technique. It is precious.

Was Ousmane Dembélé instructed to bring Theo Hernandez back into the line?

We analyzed AC Milan. On the left side they are very strong. They changed the system to 4-4-2 but we tried to take more risks. And we were very solid defensively. The first goal changed the match and allowed us to breathe.

Do you have the feeling of a collective victory?

For the supporters, it is important that they know that we will give everything. We will try to win in Milan. The PSG supporter must think that his team is courageous. I like this idea.

Why did you increase the number of discussions with Manuel Ugarte and Marquinhos?

All coaches want everything to be perfect. Manu (Ugarte) is in a pivotal position, vital for us. Marquinhos is the same. He sees the whole game head on. We correct, we say: Pay attention to this and that.

Is this PSG’s best match with you?

No no. The first 20 minutes, Milan are better than us. We were lucky that our defensive level was high during these 20 minutes. Our goal changed the game. Our confidence would have been lower if AC Milan had scored first.

Is Newcastle’s slap erased?

I thought you forgot about that loss. This is the group of death. Until the last day, everyone will hope to qualify.

For you, the suspense remains, really?

Absolutely ! Each team will have their chance to advance, until the last minute. Playing in Milan will be difficult. We will try to be better than them, especially away from home but it will be difficult; We must become a team that has the same face at home and away.