On Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 semi-final (return on May 7), Paris Saint-Germain take on Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 9pm, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “It will be very important in the first leg to manage the different moments of the match well.”
How do you get the team to avoid pressure and stay close to your idea of the game?
Realistically, these are Champions League semi-finals, but they’re still games. There are two goals, two teams who want to play well and get the upper hand.
In the first leg, it will be very important to manage the different moments of the match. There will be periods when we’re under pressure, others when we put our opponents under pressure, and sometimes the ball will be in the middle. That’s the key.
Luis Enrique “We know how difficult it is to play against this team.”
Does Arsenal have something in their game that PSG don’t have?
Is that an option or a question? I wouldn’t say anything bad about the opposition, but I can say something good. They’re one of the best teams around, with a coach who’s been here a long time and who’s doing a tremendous job. The 4 semi-finalists deserve to be there, but everyone has their own preferences.
Obviously, I like my team the best. We all know how difficult it is to play against this team here, with its great physical intensity. After that, some people may prefer Arsenal or PSG.
Luis Enrique “If you look at our evolution, I think we’re better.”
What has changed since the defeat in October?
The differences are big. If you look at our evolution, I think we’re better. We’ve shown that. The fact that we’ve played such an intense course has made us grow. We’re now in the semi-finals, having played against possible finalists.
Things have been tough, and that’s helped make us stronger. We’re back in the semi-finals, hoping to make history. There’s only one way to do it.
Luis Enrique “The question shows the positive climate around us, but I’m not worried.”
You’ve only won one of the last 4 games? Are you worried?
The question shows the positive climate around us, but I’m not worried.
Is Arsenal the strongest team you’ve faced?
It’s difficult to say. They’re a very strong team, that’s for sure. They’ve been 2nd in the Premier League for several seasons now. They’re fighting to be in the final, but you can’t say who the best team is. They’re one of the best, just like us.
Will Vitinha be important?
All the players are important. Who can say which one exactly? It’s a group that waits and defends together. There are high-level individualities, like us, but they don’t depend on one player. On these points, we’re similar.
Luis Enrique “The state of mind is exceptional, I’m the saddest of my players.”
PSG have always lost both legs of their semi-final matches. What’s your state of mind?
Another positive point! (laughs). Nobody talks about our goals, about the positives. The state of mind is exceptional. I’m the saddest of my players – imagine how they’re doing! (smiles).
You make jokes about the climate. Do you find it really negative?
I’m not talking about the mood of the fans or the people at the club, but about the questions I get. That’s what I perceive. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.
How is Doué doing?
Like his team-mates, he’s available.
Luis Enrique “I wasn’t just offered my coaching license to be here.”
Have you been working on your set-pieces?
We’re working on all aspects of the game, obviously. I wasn’t just offered my coaching license to be here.
What did you learn from last year’s semi-final defeat to Dortmund?
It’s difficult to compare. Those are the kind of games that leave their mark. But there are few comparisons, apart from the fact that we’re still playing the first leg away from home. The opponents are very different. But we’re in the same phase and we want to go one step further.
Vitinha has explained that he’s less fit, what’s your opinion?
If he said it, it’s sometimes. My option is to be demanding. All the PSG players are, and so am I. But my opinion is that he’s at his best now. But my opinion is that he’s at a high level.
Luis Enrique “We’re an ambitious team, who want to make history.”
Did you say that you had to be careful not to get too carried away in a match like this? Shouldn’t the LDC be an obsession?
Well, it’s complicated. The objective is obviously difficult. But I think we’re managing the situation well. We’re an ambitious team who want to make history. It’s good to be under pressure. When I see how the team has coped with the difficulties, it gives me confidence. We haven’t always been able to shine, but that’s part of life.
What I see, even if I don’t go out much, is that people are very positive. People in Paris aren’t asking for victory, but for a good run. There’s the motivation to win. But only one of the two teams will reach the final, and I hope it will be PSG.
Luis Enrique “We were able to eliminate Liverpool, who won the Premier League this season.”
You’ve played 2 English clubs before, is that a plus?
In terms of confidence, it’s very positive for us. We were able to eliminate Liverpool, who won the Premier League this season. That doesn’t mean anything, every match is different. But everyone says that the Premier League is the best league in the world. I don’t know whether I agree or not.
But we’re full of confidence and can’t wait for the semi-final.
Do you think it’s the best league in the world?
It doesn’t really matter. Whatever I say, there will be criticism.
