Paris Saint-Germain lost 3-0 to Mallorca this Wednesday at the Son Moix Stadium in a friendly match. After the game, Rafel Pol, assistant to head coach Luis Enrique, spoke to the media in the mixed zone.
Pol: “There is a first final in a week’s time.”
“These are unique circumstances, with only a few days of training and players making their professional debuts. We need to keep working and move forward quickly, because there is a first final in a week. I hope other players will be with us on Saturday against Manchester.”
Naturally, there is no need to overreact to this friendly match defeat. There were a great many absentees (11), not to mention that PSG is expected to bring in new signings soon. It was primarily the Titis (academy players) who featured, which was a valuable experience for them—even though winning is always preferable, and the scoreline was a bit heavy.
Indeed, it is clear that Rafel Pol is not satisfied with the result. Without sounding the alarm, the Spaniard emphasizes that the squad needs to step up its game without delay. Competitive action is fast approaching, starting next Wednesday against Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup. Then comes the Trophée des Champions on August 16 in Lens, followed by the start of the Ligue 1 season the weekend after.
One can assume the Parisians will work hard, and the imminent return of other players will also be a boost. Still, reaching 100% fitness takes time; a little patience is required at the start of the season. Nevertheless, PSG must demonstrate the quality needed to win—that is the standard expected of a club aiming for another Champions League title.
