Before appearing at the press conference, Luis Enrique spoke in the flash interview. These were his assessments.
The expulsion of Araújo, a turning point: “It is evident. We have started brilliantly. We knew there were going to be goals. We were prepared for any scenario. In twelve minutes they had not even come close but in a spectacular play by Lamine they scored a goal, but we were strong and eager to turn it around. It was expulsion. We dominated in the end. Regardless of the result, the fans are proud.”
Do you consider the expulsion fair?: “I haven’t seen it. I try to put myself in the role of the referee. I don’t usually judge. I try to protest little or nothing because emotions are running high. We have taken a step forward. Nobody considered us favorites. Curiously, we are going to play against Dortmund, who won our group. “I met with the coach in the final and we will see each other in the semifinals.”
Open tie against Dortmund: “It could be. Dortmund plays very well. We know them. They cause you problems. They press well. It’s going to be open…”
Convince Mbappé to stay: “(Laughs) Let’s wait for him to speak. When the parties speak out, we’ll see. This is like a trial. Until Mbappé speaks out, I’m like a witness.”
Subsequently, Luis Enrique spoke to the media in the press room to analyze his team’s victory over Barcelona.
“I hope that Xavi continues as Barça coach”
What assessment do you make of the match?
Firstly, how difficult it has been to play against Barça. On an emotional level, it has been very difficult to play. But I have done what I considered appropriate. I hope not to play against Barça many times on an emotional level. I feel very happy. We have had a wonderful first 12 minutes. I had the same feeling as when I left. We didn’t deserve to concede a goal in the first minutes and we conceded. But I think we have been superb in the pressure. The expulsion influences but I think you have to play this type of game.
The first time they have lifted a tie in Europe after a defeat at home…
Yesterday I told you. But not because he has a magic ball but because long streaks end up breaking. After the first leg, the tie seemed more fair to me. But I knew that things were going to happen in this game. But you have to keep faith. I would have liked to go to Madrid in the semi-finals but we are delighted to be in the semi-finals. We dedicate it to the fans, and especially to the three thousand who have come with faith. I think that the connection between fans and team is becoming stronger. It is a powerful, positive feeling. And now we have to enjoy the semifinals, change the chip; and, thanks to the fans, we have the option to go for everything and that is the goal.
Satisfied with Mbappé’s game?
You have to review Mbappé’s pressure. Review the pressure of the forwards. That has allowed us to be four against three on the defensive line. He leads by example and when Kylian transmits that, we are better.
Which victory is more special, 6-1 or 1-4?
When you are part of professional football, the best feeling you have is making people happy. That is priceless. I can’t choose and I won’t be stupid enough to choose. I hope this one is useful for something more than the one in 2017, which did not help us win the Champions League.
The Barça coach has complained about Araújo’s expulsion.
I make a habit of not talking about the referees. I have not seen the action repeated and for twelve years I have tried not to prosecute the referees. I focus on what I can control. I try to control my emotions as much as possible. I hope it doesn’t happen more times. An expulsion conditions a match like this but I remain faithful to my way of interpreting this. I understand everyone else’s positions.
What would you highlight about Barça?
I think we have caught the best Barça of the season, with the ball and without the ball. It has been very difficult. In Paris playing with the long ball. Without the expulsion I think it would have happened too. And I think that Xavi is the ideal coach and I hope that he continues as Barça coach for more years.
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2024-04-16 21:39:17
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