Far from the ambient pessimism which reigned between two rounds of the round of 16 between PSG and Bayern Munich last season, the French champion is preparing for his quarter-final return against FC Barcelona with a certain serenity. This Sunday after the morning training session, Luis Enrique was able to test his popularity among the young spectators who came to watch the Parisian U19 match against Dunkirk.
Sitting in the stands next to Luis Campos and just behind Kylian Mbappé (who came to encourage his little brother Ethan), the Parisian coach showed a broad smile as he watched the victory of the team led by Zoumana Camara (11-0).
Behind the coach’s good humor lies a real determination, shared by his players. A person close to the locker room describes a group focused and ready to fight. Wednesday evening after the defeat, after having given the floor to Marquinhos, Luis Enrique immediately looked ahead to the return match by reminding his players that they were only at half-time of this double confrontation.
The probable composition: Donnarumma (g.) – Hakimi, Marquinhos (cap.), Hernandez, Nuno Mendes – Zaïre-Emery, Fabian Ruiz or Ugarte, Vitinha – Dembélé – Barcola or Ramos, Mbappé.
On the pitch, the Parisian coach will benefit from the return of Achraf Hakimi suspended during the first leg. His presence should make it possible to put Marquinhos and Lucas Hernandez back in the middle for good. With a goal to catch up on, the contribution of Nuno Mendes, who muzzled Lamine Yamal last week, will be essential.
In the middle, the non-starting of Warren Zaire-Emery in the first leg was surprising. He could return to business but with who by his side? The presence of Vitinha, essential in the middle and much appreciated by Luis Enrique, leaves little doubt. Looking at the first leg, can the Spanish coach change the name of the third man in the middle? Indeed, Manuel Ugarte’s profile could bring more impact and hamper Robert Lewandowski who has hurt by his dropouts.
Finally on the attacking front, the entry of Bradley Barcola was one of the satisfactions of the first leg. Entering at half-time, the former Lyonnais (injured in his hamstrings on March 23) did not have the legs to play the entire match. From now on, he seems ready to start alongside Dembélé and Mbappé, unless Gonçalo Ramos is preferred. The Portuguese, whose presence in the area could be an asset, has scored points in recent weeks.
