Bixente Lizarazu, consultant for TF1, gave L’Equipe a lucid analysis of Paris Saint-Germain’s qualification against Arsenal (2-1 – 3-1 aggregate). The former Les Bleus left-back highlighted PSG’s solidarity and resilience, qualities long absent from major European tournaments, but now at the heart of Luis Enrique’s project.
Lizarazu “PSG’s solidarity in difficult times is a strong feature for me”.
“What do you think made the difference?
PSG’s solidarity in difficult situations is a strong characteristic for me, because nothing was easy, particularly the start, which was a failure, with the first twenty minutes when Arsenal pressed very high, very aggressively, and deprived PSG of the ball. The Parisians were under pressure, seemed to be suffering, and what freed them was Kvaratskhelia’s first chance (17th). His shot hit the post and gave Arsenal a fright.
Lizarazu “Luis Enrique has really built a team, always helping each other out”.
PSG know how to win when they’re suffering, and don’t crack when they’re in trouble. In the past, they could have lost this type of match. It wasn’t flamboyant, far from it, nor was it in control, far from it, but it was very resilient. Luis Enrique has really built a team, always helping each other out.
How do you see the final?
The two teams have nothing to do with each other, but they’re two real collectives, and we’re seeing the same ability to suffer together. Inter are a team of dogs, with a lot of rage, and PSG are fresher, with some very talented strikers.”
What’s positive is that people are less critical of PSG this season. There’s a growing awareness of the team’s evolution. Knowing how to suffer is also part of soccer, and it’s often a key ingredient in winning the biggest titles (just ask Real Madrid).
Luis Enrique has turned PSG into a fine war machine, ready to dominate, ready to score, whether in attack or on the counter-attack. He has also breathed new life into the midfield, as well as the defensive aspect. He has sublimated players who everyone wanted to see leave.
PSG eliminated 4 Premier League clubs, and hurt numerous teams. Inter Milan, with their experience and desire to break everything, will be a formidable opponent. Clearly, it’s going to be a fierce match, but PSG won’t be doing Barcelona any favours, and Inter have been warned.
That goes for PSG too, but beware: the Italians may not miss as many chances as Arsenal or Liverpool. The final will be magical, but it will have to be won to write the most beautiful page in the club’s history.
