Paris Saint-Germain beat Brest 0-3 (video highlights Brest/PSG) on Tuesday at the Stade du Roudourou in the Champions League 2024-2025 play-offs. After the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference. The Spaniard spoke of the victory and the overall performance of his players in a very difficult match. He made special mention of Vitinha (24-year-old midfielder) and Ousmane Dembélé (27-year-old striker).
Luis Enrique “The result is exaggerated compared to everything Brest made us suffer.”
What did you like most about Tuesday night’s victory?
The result!
What did your team do very well tonight?
Considering that Brest has scored 8 goals for us since I’ve been here, almost 2 on average per game, I think that today we were particularly solid defensively. We weren’t outnumbered by their crosses.
Brest could have scored, especially from corners. But today, we were lucky. We could have scored more too. I think the result is an exaggeration of what Brest made us suffer.
Luis Enrique “It was a liberation”.
What has changed since the victory over Manchester City?
The figures are there. They speak for themselves. There’s consistency and the team is better. I’ve been saying that since the start of the season, even if some people say we’re not. But I repeat, Brest has suffered. Brest were better than us at times. We know how to defend in those moments, but our team is built to attack and get the ball. We’re on a very good run at the moment.
I’ve liked the team since the start of the season. It’s easier with confidence. The match against City freed us up. It was a liberation for the players. It’s very important for a young team to have that confidence. The confidence level of all the players is very high.
Luis Enrique “We won’t take the second leg as a training session.”
Does the three-goal difference change the way you approach the second leg? Is it a question of squad management?
There’s no doubt about it. In the 5 games I’ve played against Brest, the Bretons have always managed to equalize, even though we led by 2 goals. There are no easy games against Brest. We won’t take the return match as a training session. The aim is to win and go through to the next round.
What do you particularly like about Vitinha? How did he perform tonight?
He’s a unique player. He plays a vital pivotal role for us. He has the ability to control the ball. He doesn’t lose the ball. He’s good at passing, physically strong, mentally impressive, and he scores. It’s a real pleasure to have a player like him. He occupies a difficult position. But he’s the perfect midfielder.
Luis Enrique “I hope it continues”
Dembélé surprises you again? How do you explain his efficiency?
“You’d have to ask him what he had for Christmas. He’s full of confidence now. I used to play at the Play when I was a kid and he’s the kind of player you put the arrow (sic) on. He was good in 2024, he’s even better in 2025. It’s perfect when so many players are confident. He’s at an excellent level, which is perfect for us. I hope it continues and that we keep helping each other, playing as a team in attack and defense.”
