Paris Saint-Germain defeated Lille 4-1 (PSG/Lille video highlights) this Saturday at the Parc des Princes on Matchday 24 of Ligue 1 2024-2025. After the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference. The Spaniard spoke of PSG’s perfect first half, as well as their upcoming Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Enrique “the word fear is not one that professional players know.”
Do you feel like you’re going into the Champions League with a strong backbone?
“I’ve never seen a team approach a match with fear. Whether with PSG or before. That includes the players. You can be in a good period or a more difficult period, but the word fear is not one that professional players know.”
Enrique: “It’s probably the best half of the season”.
After tonight’s game, do you think you’re ready for Liverpool?
“Everyone can have their own opinion. The team is in a very good dynamic. Like all teams, we still have things to improve. I still have some analysis to do, but it was probably the best half of the season.
To score 4 goals in one half against Lille, one of the best teams in the league, is very difficult and shows our current level. We can now think about recovering and concentrating on the Champions League and this match against Liverpool.”
Enrique “we’re in our best form of the season.”
Lille got their first shot on target in the 56th minute. What does PSG need to be even stronger, especially against Liverpool?
“We’re not going to change anything. Lille and Liverpool have a somewhat similar attack and defense, obviously in their own style. But Lille play very well, for example, and we pressed very hard, which forced them to play long balls.
I think we played very well in the first half, with and without the ball. It was a very good test to get us ready for the Champions League. Obviously, it’s going to be a different game, a knockout, it’s going to be a tough game but I think we’re in our best form of the season.”
Is it a perfect evening? And are there any regrets about conceding that goal?
“No, the second half is a bit of a reflection of how games should go in general. But when we’re exceptional with our pressing and we pull off a first half like this, of course that conditions the second half. But I think it’s a fair result that brings satisfaction to the team.”
Enrique “Our team shows what our mindset is all about.”
How have you dealt with the efficiency problems that plagued the first half of the season?
“When there isn’t just one player scoring a high number of goals, it creates even more chances for the team. We just need to concentrate and find the best player. Those who make the decisive pass are much more valued. Our team is a good example of our mindset.
When we have this way of working, we manage to score more, which wasn’t necessarily the case before. We’ve got several players capable of delivering passes, but also of finding themselves at the conclusion of actions.”
What’s your take on the TV rights crisis facing French soccer?
“I can’t give my opinion on that.”
Are we seeing the best version of PSG?
“We can only get better… or worse. That’s the spirit we have to have. There’s a lot of competition, and for a coach that’s superb. Whoever falls asleep gets swept away by the current. It’s with that in mind that we’re ready for all the complications we’ll have in the Champions League and in the other games we have left.”
Enrique “it’s an asset to be able to count on 18 players.”
How has your team improved compared to last year?
“In terms of numbers already. If we’re talking about footballing perception, we’re much stronger today, more complete in both attack and defense. On Wednesday, for example, I have the impression that I could field any eleven and there’d be a positive result.
Each player has his own profile and qualities, but it’s an advantage to be able to count on 18 players. Last year we were very good, but I said we’d be even better this year, and I was right.”
Enrique: “We’ll be playing against the best team in Europe”.
Arne Slot said he was impressed by PSG, he said from now on he would only watch PSG games and forget about the Premier League, are you going to do the same?
“I know Liverpool very well. Liverpool are a great team and we always have information on the best teams. Without a doubt, since the start of the season, I can say that they’re the strongest team in Europe in terms of both results and style.
They were the first team to qualify, and they did it brilliantly. It could have been a Champions League final, but it won’t be. But we’ll be playing with our weapons, we won’t be calculating to try and be better than them. We’ll be playing against the best team in Europe, but for me it’ll be 50/50, we’re not afraid.”
