PSG Coach Talks Champions League Quarter-finals and Players’ Performances

“Do you feel a slightly lighter atmosphere after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League?
No, I don’t think we can say that’s it, it’s over. We will be among the eight best teams this year, but the objective is to be even more competitive. It’s important that everyone, the supporters too, have this desire to be part of the four best now. We will see the draw, but we have no fear. We must not believe that we are inferior to another team.

What is the hierarchy of matches of the week with the Coupe de France against Nice (Wednesday)?
The circumstances are different for Sunday because there was the Champions League and the players need motivation. What is important is that we are concentrated because there will be difficulties, I am sure (…) Without a doubt, the first leg (3-0 victory, last November 11) was wide and it did not reflect the nature of the match because “Gigio” (Donnarumma) was fantastic. It’s a team that comes out to play if you don’t press enough, that plays wide if you come to press them. It’s an interesting match to be able to correct certain things, to press well.

“It looks like he’s Parisian, he’s just coming out of the training center. It’s amazing to see how Lucas Beraldo has adapted.”

You often ask for time, Nuno Mendes is coming back from injury, we have the impression that he had difficulty in Spain on Tuesday…
I believe that players are not machines. After months without playing, he was exceptional. He dominated the spaces, he knew how to manage different situations. He will recover his form, but we are not going to take any risks, especially after so much time. But for a first match, he did what was necessary. This is one of the best news.

Is Lucas Beraldo more comfortable in the center than on the left?
All players have a favorite position. But we have to stop saying that we should only play one position. If the team needs him as a fullback, he is not closed. It’s the same with Lucas (Hernandez). It’s the same for wingers, with Ousmane Dembélé for example. For me, an attacker can even play defender if we need him at that moment. I need 23 players who are willing to play any position. It’s the greatest thing about building a team. I like players who are ready to sacrifice themselves for the team (…)

I must congratulate Luis Campos and the sports management for being able to recruit a player like Beraldo in a delicate position. We need time to adapt when we arrive, especially after a change of country or continent, but him… He looks like he’s from Paris, he’s just left the training center. It’s amazing how he’s adapted. He has a lot of personality, quality, and he adapts to our idea of ​​the game. He’s the exception that proves the rule. Everyone needs time. Everyone.

“It will depend on the sun. Whether it’s hot or not”

Luis Enrique, on the start of Kylian Mbappé against Reims

What do you like most about Vitinha?
He is a player who adapts perfectly to our idea of ​​the game, to our qualities, to what we are looking for. He is versatile, he doesn’t lose the ball, it’s one of his specialties. It occupies spaces as desired. We think he can still improve, we are very demanding of him. He is a player with great energy. He wants to train all the time, even the day after matches.

Donnarumma is in good shape, how do you judge his progress?
It’s good news. The most important thing for a player is to have confidence. He always had mine, he’s a world-class goalkeeper. We are all very happy with his performances and his progress. We want him to be a leader. He is a player who sees everything on the pitch, so he can help us with the position of his teammates and his opponents.

Will Mbappé play against Reims?
It will depend on the sun. Whether it’s hot or not (laughs). »

2024-03-09 14:27:57
#Luis #Enrique #match #Reims #fear