On Saturday, in the final of the Champions League 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain will take on Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena (kick-off 9pm, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “These are situations we’ve already been through.
A week focused on managing emotions?
I think we’re a team that’s relatively used to playing in finals. These are situations we’ve been through before. Motivation and mental management are important, we’re used to it.
Did part of the preparation involve adapting to another culture after the English teams?
Not really, because soccer culture is universal. Every team is different and has its own characteristics. But it’s true that there were English teams. Now it’s an Italian team, which we all know. It’s a team that works well, it’s difficult to take the ball away from them and then they know how to defend very well.
Luis Enrique “It’s not the same to play Arsenal, Liverpool, City or Inter, but we always have the same objective.”
Do you think you’ll have possession tomorrow?
The idea is to be prepared for every possibility. It’s a final, and the score determines how the teams behave. We know how to deal with that, as we’ve done throughout the season. We’re going to try to play to our strengths.
Will there be any changes tomorrow, with two strikers up front?
Of course, especially when it comes to pressing. The position of the two players has an influence. Inter Milan have a clear idea of how to play, with mobility. That changes things. Our philosophy doesn’t change, but there are adaptations. It’s not the same to play Arsenal, Liverpool, City or Inter, but we always have the same objective.
What’s your relationship with the group? Have you questioned your management since you arrived?
It’s been the same symbiosis since day one. Maybe you didn’t want to see it. I’ve always had this relationship. Because there’s a victory, we’d get along better? No. We already had a very good relationship. I’ve got an exceptional group. I’ve tried to get to know my players and help them progress.
Luis Enrique “I loved the training and the energy. We’re ready, there’s no doubt about it.”
How’s your energy level, Luis Enrique? You’re back in the Final 10 years later.
I’m feeling great. I’m going through all this with the peace of mind that comes with maturity. I’ve gained a lot of experience since I won the final 10 years ago. I’m passing on the good opportunity we have with the players.
We can make history with PSG. It’s very important, but you have to manage it and not be overwhelmed. I loved the training and the energy. We’re ready, there’s no doubt about it. So are Inter. We’re going to do everything we can to win.
Luis Enrique “We’re used to these games”.
Inter are under pressure 2 years after their defeat, is that an advantage?
There are several possible readings, it’s difficult to predict in soccer. In life, it’s important to have experience. For other things, it’s relative. We’ve had a very tough run from the start. That’s an advantage today. We’re used to these matches.
For example, we had to play Bayern here. And we’ve been playing finals all season. We play without fear. We want to go in with our best weapons.
Luis Enrique “I’m comfortable with my choices in my career.”
You decided to leave Dembélé out of the squad for Arsenal in the league phase, was that your best choice?
I’ve got a great squad, but you have to pull all the players towards the team and you need the personality to do that. There can be controversy, that’s part of the game. But it’s the coach’s job to make the choices, even if you can’t always be right. I’m comfortable with the choices I’ve made in my career.
The fans couldn’t come 5 years ago, would it be even more special to win tomorrow? Did you have a great run against the Premier League?
I hope it will be a great match, one that will go down in history. We’ve beaten some English teams in the season, it wasn’t easy, but we’ve been able to grow our soccer and we hope to take advantage of that tomorrow. I think we’re ready, we’ll see tomorrow.
Luis Enrique “We’ll have to adapt to what the match demands.”
You’ve insisted on scoring as a team, and tomorrow you face a team that knows how to tighten up. What’s the biggest challenge?
It’s very simple: when the team is folded up, there’s very little space. It’s always complicated. But my teams are used to that, it’s what we face the most. But Inter have top-class players in attack and defence. That’s why they’re in defence. We’ll have to adapt to what the match demands. One goal can change everything. We’ll have to adapt and play from start to finish. I’m optimistic.
Luis Enrique “It’s as a team that we’re going to try to win tomorrow.”
Dembélé displayed his seriousness by saying he smiles on the inside. He’s scored more goals this season, do you like his performances and his team spirit?
Yes, of course I do. That’s our mentality. We know how to grow that way. We’ve been able to overcome the problems we’ve faced. Dembélé has been one of the best players of the season, perhaps the best. He defends, he fights, he’s decisive. He shows experience. I’m delighted to hear his words and to see his confidence. We’re going to try and win tomorrow as a team.
Could this be your most important title as a coach?
My greatest motivation is to make history at PSG. I want to bring happiness to the fans and to a top-level club. Being first counts. We’ll give it our all, we’ll accept this match, we’re lucky to be here. We want to make the fans happy.
