On Wednesday, as part of the Ligue 1 2024-2025 round of 16 (return on Tuesday March 11), Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 9pm, UTC+1). On the eve of this encounter, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “We mustn’t change anything.”
4 months without defeat, did you expect the team to reach this level? Is there room for improvement?
I don’t think it really matters what I think. What matters is what the team has done. I’m convinced it can still improve.
Why can PSG beat Liverpool?
It’s very clear, we have to be able to repeat the same behaviour we’ve shown since the start of the season. We mustn’t change anything. We have to try to get the ball more, create more chances, be effective defensively – the same thing we’ve done every game.
We know we’re up against the most consistent team since the start of the season, but the plan doesn’t change.
Luis Enrique “We like to look at the figures in detail to see the evolution of the teams. We’re up to scratch in Europe.”
What impresses you about Slot’s work at Liverpool?
They’ve been one of the best teams for several years; they won the Champions League a few years ago. Slot’s work, after Klopp, it could be difficult to improve the team, but he has been able to create an impressive team, which knows how to play, defend, have the ball, accelerate. And there’s Salah, who has exceptional numbers, but also other players.
It’s a very complete team. It’s also a motivation for us, it’s an opportunity to show that we’re up to the job. We like to look at the figures in detail to see how the teams are developing. We’re up there with the rest of Europe.
Luis Enrique “There are uncertainties for us to resolve.”
Is the match an excitement with all the attention it brings? Can it be a turning point in the image of your work?
It can be a motivating factor. If we can say that PSG is playing positively and that the soccer world wants to see the match, that’s great. It’s hard to have a better match than this. There are two teams with similar, if slightly different, ideas. There are some uncertainties for us to resolve.
Are there any areas in which PSG are superior to Liverpool?
Yes, of course. I’ve been a coach here for a year and a half now, and I need to be able to analyze things and pass on my ideas to the players. But only to them.
Luis Enrique “it’s an opportunity for us to keep growing.”
PSG have the youngest team in the Champions League, is that positive or is there a lack of experience?
It’s a sign of the club’s culture, of what we’re looking for. We want young talent at the highest level. We have a young team, but last year we reached the semi-finals. It’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity for us to keep growing.
In these matches, you have to know how to calm your emotions. All the players are ready for this match, as we’ve seen in training. There are no absentees, everyone’s ready. We want to face it calmly.
Can you describe the match you’re expecting tomorrow?
It’s going to be a hard-fought, complicated game. That’s how I see it. There are differences between the two teams, even if Liverpool are good at attacking and creating danger without the ball, whereas we perhaps need the ball a little more. We try to impose our game with it. There are always nuances. Liverpool have been very consistent this season, as we’ve seen.
Luis Enrique “I hope we’ll benefit from the atmosphere at the Parc.”
The ideal scenario for qualifying?
I don’t know. I’d sign up to lose at home and qualify away if necessary. You never know. What’s certain is that qualification won’t be decided tomorrow. But it’s a very important match. It’s difficult for our opponents to play at the Parc, there’s the atmosphere and the pressure of the stadium. If our team plays well, it will be difficult. I hope we can take advantage of the atmosphere at the Parc.
PSG weren’t favourites when the draw was made, but maybe they are now?
Everyone has their own opinion, but we’re happy to see people who believe in it. It was more negative a few months ago, but our supporters have always believed. We’ll take anything positive.
Luis Enrique “these are the first 90 minutes and everyone has a role to play. Even those who won’t be playing.”
Are you relying on technique to avoid Liverpool’s physicality?
We’re very similar in terms of pace and intensity. We may not be as strong physically, but we have a very high tempo. We’re one of the best teams with the ball. It’s going to be intense and difficult. It’s going to be two teams with a lot of strengths going head to head. It’s one of the best games to watch.
Is it going to be a headache putting the team together tomorrow?
It’s complicated for the players, some of whom deserve to play but may not. But sometimes, it’s the substitutes who are the most important. The most important thing is the team. I could change 4-5 players tomorrow and you wouldn’t know the difference. That’s what makes us strong. Tomorrow is the first 90 minutes and everyone has a role to play. Even those who won’t be playing.
Can you take a qualification by denying your playing principles? Or are they more important?
Get the contract out, of course I’ll take it. It’s all about the philosophy of the game. We want to get the ball and play well, and we’re convinced that we have a better chance of winning if we play well. But if we qualify by playing badly, no worries.
Luis Enrique “What I’m interested in is the confidence to face this team.”
Are any of your players facing suspension tomorrow?
No, I don’t waste energy on who has a yellow card or not. It’s not a subject for me. I’m trying to prepare my team, with the staff being very professional, in order to instil confidence. We’re not going to think about the other team’s cards. What interests me is the confidence to face this team.
Will it be a challenge if Liverpool give the ball away?
They’re one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe, so we’ll be looking to keep the ball well and be careful not to suffer in transitions. They’ve got 3 fighter jets, so it’s not easy to stop them. But we’ve got a position, a structure, and we need to succeed in imposing it. We have to be better and make sure we don’t suffer in transition.
Luis Enrique: “Above all, we want to see our style of play against this team.”
What emotion should animate the team on the pitch? Serenity or rage?
What always motivates us. The better the opponent, the more motivated we are. Tomorrow’s a very special match. They’re arguably the best-playing team in the league phase, so that’s motivation. But what we really want to see is our style of play against this team.
What do you do before a match like this?
I love soccer, so I’m definitely going to watch a game tonight. I’m taking it easy. I’m trying to relax. The party starts at 9pm.
What’s Kvaratskhelia’s best position? Are you still looking for his position?
He’s like our other strikers, he can play in any position, even in midfield. He can play on the flanks or in the middle. He’s a different style of 9. What defines our forwards is their versatility.
