Bet(s) lost. PSG suffered a logical setback in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League, this Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes. He is condemned to the feat next Tuesday when he returns to Catalonia. Luis Enrique, the Parisian coach, came to a press conference to deliver his analysis of the match.
How did you experience this evening?
LUIS ENRIQUE. It’s a defeat that we don’t like. We were dominated in the first half. After their goal, we had doubts. Barcelona is a very good team. We were better in the second half, we changed the match. We had good times, difficult times and the result was bad.
Was the match decided on the control of emotions?
No not at all. We managed the emotions well. A goal at home puts you in doubt. You have to get used to it. We must now think that in Barcelona, it will be a final and we will have to win it. I congratulate Barcelona on their performance.
Why, in your opinion, Kylian Mbappé was not up to the task?
I don’t want to talk about any individual player. I am satisfied with what I saw. The coach is responsible for the result so we should not talk about the players individually.
What was your initial idea, particularly in midfield by depriving yourself of Zaire-Emery?
The only person who sees the workouts is me. I thought I chose the best. The result proves me wrong. I accept criticism. I accept what defeat entails. I’m preparing for the next match to win it.
How do you explain the fragility on set pieces?
If we look at the quarter-finals, we saw 10 goals on the first night and 8 on the second night. All teams are fragile. The differences are small. I hope we will win in Barcelona.
The Parisians were dominated in the air by Christensen on Barcelona’s last goal. LP/Fred Dugit
Do you believe in a “remontada”, a reversal of the trend in six days?
I have no doubt that this goal can be achieved. We haven’t lost away in Ligue 1. We have six days to prepare for this match. The change to the away goal rule allows for open matches in the Champions League.
Would you still say that Barcelona are not the favorites in this quarter-final?
I never said that Barça were not the favorites. He has more experience. We are going to play there to win. This is our goal. I was not surprised by Barcelona. We can work on high pressure. We’re going to play the same way. We were naive about the goals conceded. We have to work on these little details in the return match.
