On Tuesday, as part of the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 play-offs (return on Wednesday February 19), Paris Saint-Germain take on Brest at the Stade du Roudourou (kick-off 6.45pm, UTC+1). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “They can cause problems at any time”.
What does Doué bring to the table and what does he need to improve?
I think that rather than thinking about improving a player individually, we need to think about improving collectively, so that we have the maximum number of solutions for any situation. Soccer is a team sport. Doué is one of the players, but there are others, including youngsters, who are also making progress.
The games against Brest have been hectic, how do you explain that? Do you like the look of things?
Lively and interesting for you, the observers, but for the staff it’s always very difficult. We can improve both at home and away. They’re capable of scoring 2 goals in a few minutes. And if they’re leading, they’re very difficult to play against. With their forwards, they’re very good on second balls, they can cross. They can cause problems at any time. It won’t be easy against Brest.
Luis Enrique: “She knows how to cut a team in 2.
Do you feel your team is safe from overconfidence?
I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow in soccer. But we do know how important this match is for us. We know what it means, and we won’t be overconfident. Brest are capable of getting a good result. There are two 90-minute games, and they’re played in a very short space of time. We need to win to avoid a repeat of the bad scenario of previous years. It’ll be tough, but we want to win.
Will we need to be particularly precise and efficient?
Everything is going to be important in these matches. We need to make very few mistakes, be effective in both areas, and make sure the match goes according to plan. But then, against Brest, we know that the game can quickly turn on its head. Ajorque holds the ball up very well, and Del Castillo can always create chances.
They’re a very well-prepared team, and very difficult to play against. We press well, but against a team that can play short or long with talent, it’s complicated. They know how to split a team in 2, and can turn the match on its head. We led 2-0 last year and went 2-2 up. They know how to generate danger.
Luis Enrique “We can improve, especially defensively.”
The 2-5 hadn’t reflected the scoreline not long ago, what needs to change?
I don’t remember exactly, but it seems to me that just before the wire it was 2-2. We scored and the score was a little wider than we deserved. We know it’s going to be tough. We can improve, especially defensively. But there’s always room for improvement in all areas.
More pressure as favourites?
We’re aware that it’s a special situation, with two French clubs. It’s positive that a French team will qualify. We’re favourites, but soccer is full of surprises. It’s not always the team that plays the best that gets rewarded.
We also know that Brest can score against us. It’s a very important and difficult competition, and we want to be at our best for the play-offs.
Is Hakimi back to 100% for the match?
Yes.
Eric Roy said that PSG were stronger than Real Madrid collectively.
If you don’t know the answer, you can’t answer.
Luis Enrique “What’s surprising is his movements when he’s in the middle.”
Dembélé is a “sweet” player in your words, can you explain?
I’ll always be a great supporter of players of Ousmane Dembélé’s quality. But today I’m also keen to highlight all the passers, like Mendes, Kvaratkshelia, Barcola, Lee, Doué…
Of course, Dembélé is brilliant at moving into space. Everyone knew he was a winger and now he’s showing that he can play in the middle and move around. It’s a good thing. We’re putting all the team’s qualities together. What’s surprising is his movement when he’s in the middle. He’s been able to score a lot of goals with one touch, and he’s got the quality of a 9. We’re all benefiting from that.
Luis Enrique “I’d like to congratulate Brest, its coach and its players on their level of performance.”
How to approach this play-off match, it’s new with this format.
For us, it’s obvious. We’re taking it like any other game, and we want to win tomorrow’s. We want to be focused and prepared for it. We want to be focused and prepared for it. Then we’ll see. That’s the way we approach every match and every competition. The most important thing is tomorrow.
Brest for the 1st time in LDC, it’s a bonus match for them. Is that a danger for Paris?
Without a doubt. Last season, Brest were one of the best teams in the league. They were able to qualify, they put in some good performances and they can be competitive against any team. We want to make sure they don’t show all their qualities. But they have a lot. I’d like to congratulate Brest, their coach and their players on their level.
