PSG put on a show in the cold this Friday evening at the Parc des Princes. He consolidates his position as leader of the French championship after his prolific victory against Monaco (5-2), including Ousmane Dembélé’s first goal in Paris. Enough to rejoice Luis Enrique, the Spanish coach of the capital club, at a press conference after the match in the stadium auditorium.
How do you judge the performance of Gianluigi Donnarumma, at fault on the first goal and then decisive?
LUIS ENRIQUE. Football requires mistakes. When it’s the goalkeeper, it’s visible a lot more than if it’s an attacker or another player. Donnarumma was superb. He got up after his mistake. I make mistakes in every match. His season is exceptional and I am delighted with his performances and his behavior.
Do you enjoy the show on offer?
When two teams at this level never calculate, press high, all the supporters benefit. For us, the coaches, it’s more difficult to live with. I liked the attitude of my team because after the international break, it’s always difficult. We trained for an hour together. Monaco was forced to train in Paris. So I’m very happy with the victory.
Exactly, without work, we saw great things, as if your work since the start of the season was starting to infuse your team…
From the very beginning, I have seen an attitude of players who want to assimilate all the concepts that are offered to them. I rarely focus on what we are doing well but on what needs to be improved. It would be stupid to think, with the squad I have, that there isn’t anything better to shoot for, that we can’t aim higher. You should never lower your attention in a club like Paris.
How do you react to Ousmane Dembélé’s first goal with PSG?
His goal is 100% pure Ousmane Dembélé. It is spectacular after a pigeon wing check. This is good news for him but especially for all the positive vibes it gives off around him. Since day one, I have been satisfied with him. He is the most unbalanced player in the world. He plays to dribble, fix, create superiority. It’s a permanent spectacle. I love having a player like him in my squad.
Did you prepare the match against Newcastle in the right way?
It’s obvious that Monaco has the same level as us, with the same aspirations, with the desire to win the French championship. We suffered, at times more than others, but it’s the best way to prepare than to win. And winning style is even better.
With this match, did you succeed in providing great publicity for Ligue 1 when it is criticized?
I have never said anything about the level of Ligue 1. Those who criticize it are wrong. It’s an interesting League with good players, good coaches, it’s difficult without a doubt.
