Nuno Mendes was surrounded by doubts when he signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 from Sporting Portugal, and then coach Luis Enrique (who arrived in 2023) was criticized when he placed him in a more defensive role, almost as a center back. The 23-year-old Portuguese full-back spoke to AFP on Monday about his development, not forgetting to thank the Parisian coach.
Nuno Mendes: “It’s something Luis Enrique brought us.”
You were initially confined to defense, but now you have much more freedom. Why this change?
At first, I wasn’t very strong in defense. I knew how to attack with speed. Luis Enrique noticed that, he helped me a lot defensively, and today I’m doing well. I try to balance my attacks and rest a little when I need to. The coach has done a good job, and not just for me. (Versatility) is something that Luis Enrique has brought us and that we will keep for life, even if he leaves or we leave.
Nuno Mendes “He told me: you have to defend better and then I’ll give you the freedom to attack. “
So it was Luis Enrique who transformed you?
It comes from me too, knowing what I can do to improve, but he has taught me a lot. Before, in one-on-one situations in defense, it was a bit difficult because I was only thinking about attacking. But he told me: you have to defend better and then I’ll give you the freedom to attack.
Can you become even better?
I have a lot to learn, but right now, I can’t say that I have any flaws or that there are things I do badly. I always try to give my all and perform at the highest level to help the team. I don’t focus on my flaws.
Nuno Mendes “The coach wants us to work on our weaker foot.”
Work on your right foot, perhaps?
Yes, the coach wants us to work on our weaker foot (laughs), every day. I remember a French Cup match where, in the last minute, I found myself in a shooting position with my right foot and I shot too softly.
As with other decisions made by coach Luis Enrique that were heavily criticized, we are pleased to see that they have ultimately been successful and that the player is grateful to him. Many “experts” and fans almost “destroyed” the Spanish coach because he placed Nuno Mendes in a more defensive role.
Except that this led the Portuguese player to improve defensively, not to mention that his speed was very useful in helping to cover. Also, Achraf Hakimi (26-year-old right back) was able to gain offensive freedom and get used to a hybrid role. All this, with midfielders who have to adapt to this idea of constant movement.
Now that the whole team has a better grasp of this playing philosophy, with Nuno Mendes having improved defensively, he has greater freedom and shines in every area. He even impressed in the Champions League last season (against Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in particular).
Unsurprisingly, even if everything never works out, coach Luis Enrique did not do things at random. He sought out the best paths to follow for the team and its individual players. Nuno Mendes’ development is a huge success. Perhaps this is a reminder to some that it is important to place a little trust in top-level coaches.
