On Wednesday evening, the eyes of the footballing world were riveted on the second leg of the semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. And while the Gunners put in an exceptional display, this time the stars were aligned for Paris to qualify for the Champions League final. And it was by a score of 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) that the Rouge et Bleu made it through to the final (PSG/Arsenal video highlights). Luis Enrique, the club’s coach, spoke at length to Canal+ about his efforts to transform his team and achieve this goal:
Luis Enrique: “For me, the first half was a real pain”.
So many emotions?
Lots and lots. There were too many emotions, what suffering in this match, Arsenal played very well. They’re capable of carrying the match on their strength. We had the opportunity to defend all the time, it was very difficult because it wasn’t the match we wanted.
Were you surprised by Arsenal at the start of the match?
When all the balls are set-pieces, all the time, all the time touches, it’s difficult. I think we made a big effort to look for solutions. It was difficult. We had some very clear chances, on the post, but for me the match was a real pain in the first half.
What adjustments did you make to calm things down?
We tried to gain confidence. The players can see that this isn’t the usual game, it’s a moment when you think that to defend you have to go behind but no in fact it’s the opposite, you have to press and get the ball, but Arsenal’s mobility was such that it was difficult. We suffered.
“I said in the meeting with my staff that we are one of the best teams in Europe”.
Were you calm at the start of the match?
I did a lot of work because otherwise I’d be sent off every game. The most important thing is to have the right mentality. I try never to talk to the referees because otherwise I think it’s a bad thing for my players.
Are you surprised to have brought PSG back to the final?
I think so, because at one point I had a meeting with my players, when the results in the Champions League were catastrophic. I told them it was very, very unfair, and I said in the meeting with my staff that we’re one of the best teams in Europe, our efficiency isn’t right, but we’ve got to stay calm and keep going. The players were sensational afterwards.
What have you done with players to fundamentally change this team?
It’s hard to say. It’s not just one thing, I think in the first year we did a good job. If I couldn’t get a different mentality every day at every training session I was going to leave.
How do you get all the strikers to run?
It’s easier: if you do it, someone else will do it too. There’s competition too.
