On Sunday, as part of the Champions Trophy 2024, Paris Saint-Germain will take on Monaco at Stadium 974 (kick-off 5.30pm, broadcast on DAZN). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “I’m very happy with what I’ve seen, even if there’s still room for improvement.”
You’ve finished 2024 well after some frustrating results, is it the extra luck that was missing and has arrived? Or has your team improved and will continue to do so?
My thought is that it’s been a very good first half of the season. Now we’re coming up to the best part of the season, which, like every year, is the second half as we approach the moment when we can win titles. I’m very happy with what I’ve seen, even if there’s still room for improvement.
What are your ambitions for the year ahead ?
The same as every season, to be ready to fight for the titles. That’s been our objective since we arrived. It’s a very difficult goal, but that’s the idea and we’re working towards it.
Luis Enrique “I like the trajectory of our performances.”
Any concerns about the Champions League ?
The Champions League, as far as the team’s performances are concerned, I’m very calm. I like what I’ve seen, there’s continuity. As for the results, of course not. There have been some unfair results. But soccer isn’t necessarily a fair sport. But I like the trajectory of our performances and we still want to improve, of course.
What’s the difference between Safonov and Donnarumma? Who will play tomorrow ?
Tomorrow, I’ll decide who’s going to play. But there are great guarantees with many of the players.
Luis Enrique “I want as many players as possible who are ready and determined.”
A successful turnaround to kick off the year 2025 tomorrow ?
At the start of this year, I hope we’ll be able to see our potential as a team. That we don’t depend on one player, or one composition. The players will have opportunities, and we’re working on that. I want as many players as possible who are ready and determined.
Is Donnarumma fit ? Or could he be psychologically bothered after the shock ?
All 3 goalkeepers are ready to play tomorrow. There’s no problem whatsoever.
Are you happy to be back after the World Cup ?
In Qatar, I have great memories of the World Cup, even if we didn’t play in this stadium.
Recruitment at the mercato?
I’m not talking about players who aren’t at the club, I’m staying on the bangs of that.
Luis Enrique “I like the club’s policy”.
What do you not want to revisit from the Ligue 1 match 3 weeks ago ?
It was a great match for the spectators, there were goals. We were in control at the start, but less so afterwards. Against opponents of this level, it’s normal to be superior at times in certain areas. It’s going to be a different game tomorrow, because it’s a final. I hope it’ll be a great match, and that we’ll enjoy some great soccer.
Can the PSG project evolve ?
I don’t think the club’s project is changing. We want to recruit top-level players so that we have a clear idea of how we want to play. We want to play well and win. But the mercato has its realities. We need to find the players who can come.
I like the club’s policy, we have a group of top players, recruited or trained. PSG will win the Champions League in 10 years’ time, with me or someone else.
Luis Enrique “We need to give more players confidence, and I hope we’ll see it in the results.”
Is playing in Qatar an advantage or added pressure?
We feel like we’re playing at home, since the club is owned by Qatar. We’ll see if that’s an advantage. Both clubs will want to put on a good show.
Has the break been good for the players? Why has the whole squad been called up when some players are on the move ?
Because we were coming to Doha, and it was interesting to start the year together. It’s a final, it’s special, it’s a title. If we can be united, all the better.
There’s also a very busy schedule, and we won’t be able to play with 11 players. We need to give more players confidence, and I hope we’ll see that in the results.
Luis Enrique “he’s got a lot of room for improvement and a great attitude.”
Lee scoring more than last season? Do you see a big difference ?
Since I arrived, Lee has been on the rise. He’s got very good statistics, whether he’s playing forward, winger or false 9. I like this player, he has a lot of room for improvement and a great attitude.
Salah at PSG ?
I’m not talking about a player who isn’t at the club.
Luis Enrique: “We’ll see if it’s a better format. In any case, these are very high-level matches.”
A better Champions League in this new format ?
It’s a very different competition to what we’re used to. The most notable feature is that each team has a different schedule. That implies inequality. That’s just the way it is. There may be some matches that are more interesting for the fans. We’ll see if it’s a better format. In any case, these are very high-level matches.
Did Hütter say that it’s a different game and that Monaco can win the trophy ?
Of course it’s a final and they’re one of the best teams in the league. It’s obviously going to be very difficult. But we’re motivated, prepared and can’t wait for the match to start.
