After eliminating three English clubs in a row in the Champions League, Luis Enrique (PSG coach, 54) responded with humor and pride to TNT Sport‘s criticism of Ligue 1, often dubbed the “Farmers League” by its detractors. Having qualified for the final after a 2-1 victory (3-1 on aggregate) over Arsenal, PSG are now establishing themselves as an essential ambassador for French soccer on the European stage, sweeping aside clichés and giving themselves the right to dream bigger against Inter Milan.
Luis Enrique “We have time to study them between now and the final”.
“Three English clubs in a row (laughs)? The Farmers’ League, that’s what we are, isn’t it (smile)? Yes, maybe, but sometimes… It feels good. Now we’re enjoying ourselves. Not just the result, but also the compliments we hear about our team. It’s a young team, but the mentality and character are there. The way we’re playing is very good. I have to congratulate my players, they’re excellent. We’ve got plenty of time to study them between now and the final. Of course I’ve seen their games against Barça. They’re a very good team, but so are we. I think it’s going to be a great match and it’s really going to be 50-50.“
Long derided as the “Farmers League”, Ligue 1 is proving this season that it is much more than just a springboard for young talent. PSG, buoyed by an ambitious generation and a close-knit team, reached their second Champions League final after seeing off three English clubs, a performance that echoes Luis Enrique’s talk of the mentality and character of his squad.
But let’s not forget Brest, Lille and Monaco, who have also taken France to Europe this season. Of course, it’s not as tight a league as others. There’s less homogeneity than elsewhere, but the strengths are there and the work is there.
In any case, Luis Enrique’s worst result with PSG was an LDC semi-final last year. The Coupe de France finals, the Champions League titles, there’s already progress, but it’s time to follow through on the dream.
