Paris Saint-Germain beat Lyon 2-3 (video highlights Lyon/PSG) on Sunday at Groupama Stadium in the 23rd round of Ligue 1 2024-2025. After the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference. The Spaniard discussed the positives and negatives of the match, including the blow received by Fabian Ruiz (28-year-old midfielder) and the performance of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24-year-old striker).
Enrique: “You have to be in control at times like these”.
What do you remember about tonight’s match?
“It was a very good, open game. We played a very good first half against an OL side that was very withdrawn and not looking to concede goals. After that, there were two or three clear chances for us, but none for them. In the second half, I think we had very good intensity right from the start.
And when we had a two-goal advantage, we kept pushing and I think that when we play too much from the heart, we think less. At times like that, you have to be in control, especially against a team with nothing left to lose and who are going to do everything they can to come back.”
Enrique: “What you need in the first half is to wear down your opponents”.
How do you explain the fact that, generally speaking, PSG make a lot of differences in the second half?
“Because to make big differences in the second half you need a great first half. For us, there were 2% of expected goals in the first half, compared with 0.8% on their side. So, of course, when you only look at the goals, you don’t see that.
But what you have to do in the first half is wear down your opponents, you have to be good with and without the ball. You have to press a lot, so it’s not just about the result. It’s also that first half when we wear down our opponents.”
Enrique “Wherever we go, we try to win.”
What do you make of the creation and finishing of the three goals, particularly the last one?
“I think that since the first day I’ve been in Paris we’ve had the same idea, which is to attack. We want the ball and we only want to attack. That’s why we’ve also chosen this profile of players. We’re also determined to offer our fans these victories and titles, but also to do it in the right way. Our rule is no calculation anywhere. Wherever we go, we try to win.
Of course, the team can improve, but I think it’s particularly grown in terms of personality. Today’s game was crazy at the end and I think it would have been better to have had more control. But I think we’ve grown in terms of personality and character.”
Fabian Ruiz seemed very affected, are you worried about him?
“He’s a very strong neck, but he was able to come back so we hope there won’t be any injury.”
Enrique “we’re looking for the best possible form for each of them”
Kvaratskhelia had his best game, could that change some of your plans ahead of Liverpool?
“To the same extent as for the other players we’re looking for the best possible form for each of them. As far as Kvaratskhelia is concerned, he’s still growing up. He’s still adapting. But the aim is always to find the team solution so as to have the best competitiveness in every match.”
