Since the draw with Nantes on Saturday (1-1, Ligue 1 matchday 13), the media at Paris Saint-Germain have been focusing on the growing tension between coach Luis Enrique and some of his players. According to L’Equipe, the Spaniard reacted by speaking to his squad, indicating that he had understood the tension and would make an effort to be more “flexible”.
“Luis Enrique explained that he understood that his directive management style could sometimes cause tension.”
“Following the first revelations about the latent malaise of certain elements, Luis Enrique made amends in front of his players – without, however, denying the principles and philosophy that guide him. In simple words, not aimed at anyone in particular, he explained that he had understood that his directive management style could sometimes cause tension, and assured them that he would try to be more flexible.
This approach came as no surprise at the Poissy Campus. It was all the more appreciated by the group, where one of the criticisms voiced is the feeling of omnipotence exuded by the former Barça coach, deaf to any dissonant voice.
“The players want to believe in it, now they’re waiting to see.”
But was his speech convincing? The players want to believe in it, but now they’re waiting to see”, they whisper in the club’s entourage. . Some people at the club are just hoping it doesn’t come too late.
When asked about the tension between himself and the players, Luis Enrique denied it quite clearly. But here we see that questions and answers in press conferences can be of less interest to the media (hence some cold or vague answers).
The following day, the sports paper continued with its soap opera, albeit with some appeasement. It seems to have come from the Paris coach, even though he hasn’t given the slightest hint of such talk. Nor did he display the kind of authoritarianism that would stop the players in their tracks.
He has rules and principles, and his own philosophy. Like all coaches, in all clubs. Happily so. It’s never a question of letting the players do what they want all the time.
Of course, discussions are possible to find the right balance. There may have been exchanges between Luis Enrique and his squad. But we’re wary of all the “details” put forward in the media over the last few days. Particularly when it’s a question of slipping in a phrase that suggests it might be “too late”.
