Paris Saint-Germain beat Auxerre 3-1 (PSG/Auxerre video highlights) this Saturday at the Parc des Princes as part of the 34th day of Ligue 1 2024-2025. After the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference.
Enrique “This win is important to prepare for the two finals”.
“In the first half we lacked a bit of rhythm. But in the second we were better and were able to take the lead. This win is important to prepare for the two finals we have to play. It’s also the best way to enjoy this last match of the season at the Parc des Princes with our fans.”
When it comes to team management, do you think about individual trophies such as best passer or top scorer?
“The strength of this team is that we have a great deal of individual versatility. If some of our players can win individual awards, we’re very happy too. But when players think more about the team than their performance, that’s when we build a real group. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, are the two players in this situation and they have always thought first of the team.”
Enrique: “We have to get to grips with the end of the season”.
Is PSG ready for its last two most important games of the year?
“In order to give some players a rest, others have been given ten days’ rest. It’s very difficult to find a balance. We have a full week of training ahead of us. We have to manage the end of the season well, and I think we’re doing that well. I think there’s a big difference between the first part of the season and the second, in terms of pace.”
Is the aim to carry on until May 31 with a real team spirit?
“Obviously, it’s something that happens naturally. I think that to be present in all competitions as we are, you have to have a real team spirit and a mentality of collaboration, of group feelings.
It also shows our ability to deal with the difficult moments that are always present during a season. It’s a very special time when we can finalize and win all the trophies. It’s a dream we’ve had since the start of the season, and one we can now make a reality.”
Enrique: “If you want to make history, you have to be able to handle the pressure”.
All the fans are waiting for is the Champions League final, how do you get your team so focused on the French Cup final?
“It’s a feeling we’ve had for a very long time in Paris. It’s a logical feeling. It’s been one of our motivations since the start of the season. I don’t know who’s going to win, but I’d like it to be us. And that’s the goal.
Is that pressure or not?
If you want to make history, you have to be able to handle the pressure. If you can’t handle it, you’ll never make history. And when there are two teams in the final, one team will be very happy and the other will be very sad. We want to make history and bring joy to our fans.”
