” It’s full ! » Entering the press room, Luis Enrique made his almost usual joke about the filling of the press room at the PSG Campus. Usually very partially filled, this time it was full to bursting, proof of the major deadline awaiting PSG. On the eve of the Champions League semi-final, the Spanish technician appeared to be a joker, rather talkative on subjects as numerous as they were varied. From the supporters to the preparation for the match, he gave details. Even on Kylian Mbappé, he didn’t make any fuss.
Marquinhos before you explained that in the match that awaits you on Tuesday, you have to be ready to experience all possible scenarios on an emotional level. Is this a point you emphasize?
LUIS ENRIQUE. I believe it is a necessary state of mind to face an episode in your professional or personal life. You have to always be ready for things to go wrong all season long. With the players, we spent the season talking about the little injustices that can occur during a match. The ball comes out and continues well. Just keep competing and you’ll be ready.
How important are the supporters for the match against Dortmund?
They are vital as they always have been. We have an absolute guarantee that our supporters are fully behind us. Particularly when we need it, even if we haven’t often been in difficulty this season. The atmosphere was magnificent in Dortmund, and I’m also waiting for it at the Parc des Princes so that we can all celebrate the victory together.
The players debriefed a lot about the first leg between them. Is this something you’ve been trying to instill since your arrival?
I work on this every day. I’m trying to implement an idea and those who have to carry it are the players. They need to be part of this process and this team is responding exceptionally well. The coach must generate confidence in the players.
You often tell supporters that you will win, why do you have this certainty?
This is the only sentence I know in French! (Laughs) (He repeats in French) “We will win, for sure! ” I like this sentence.
To achieve this, we will have to score two goals. Is this what you say to your players?
I know what match we are going to try to play but the result also depends on the opponent. We’re still trying to figure out how it’s going to go. If the score changes, the opponent’s attitude will change. Our mentality is not going to change from the first to the last minute. The objective is not to win by two goals, but to win! You have to win the match first. You can score two goals in three minutes, it happens, but you can also suffer. You have to be 100% focused. If we concede a goal, it doesn’t matter, you have to stay calm.
Can Gonçalo Ramos start Tuesday’s game?
As you can imagine, my analysis is very deep. Each attacker has particular characteristics. Sometimes, the substitutes can surprise, but in certain matches, we need certain qualities. But I have confidence in all my players. Everyone can start, but we will choose tomorrow (Tuesday).
What can you do so that Mbappé can have more opportunities?
We have a common goal, that’s why we always try to get the ball from the back to bring it in the best way to the attackers. As it is a team, we also ask the attackers that few balls reach the defense. We are all a team and everyone plays the same part. Even world stars have to help defend. And our defenders must help us bring the ball forward.
In which area do you want to see him play?
It’s very easy. Each match is different from the other, it depends where the spaces are. Sometimes it’s between the lines, other times the opponent closes so you have to overwhelm through the wings. Our goal is for our best players, the more they participate, the better. I don’t want the striker to go for the ball in midfield, I want the striker to touch the ball in critical areas and that’s difficult. I know you really want to talk about Kylian and I’m used to talking about Kylian. As a goal, we want to find our best players. Obviously, our opponents are not going to leave him free at the penalty spot, they are going to let him touch the ball in midfield. I want him to go and touch him where he is dangerous.
Do you consider that elimination would be a failure?
Life goes on, there will be sunshine and when there is sunshine in Paris, it’s wonderful. We will salute the opponent, we will be disgusted, but we will try to win the year after.
