Paris Saint-Germain beat Reims 3-0 (video highlights PSG/Reims) this Saturday at the Stade de France in the final of the Coupe de France 2024-2025. After the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique (54) spoke at a press conference. The Spaniard spoke of this success, as well as the upcoming Champions League final against Inter Milan on May 31.
Enrique “All this prepares us for the match that will allow us to write history.”
How do you feel after this victory?
“It’s always difficult to play in a Coupe de France final. A lot can happen. But the team went in with the right mentality. We were intense in defense and very good in attack, to leave nothing to Reims. The team showed a lot of commitment. All this prepares us for the match that will allow us to write history.”
What’s the latest on Kvaratskhelia?
“He’s doing very well. He couldn’t play because he wasn’t feeling well after the warm-up. That’s nothing. He’ll be perfectly fine for Tuesday’s training session. We didn’t take any risks. He felt nauseous after the warm-up. It happens sometimes, but there’s nothing to worry about.”
Luis Enrique “There was no better way to prepare for the final on May 31.”
Ousmane Dembélé, had a different role, picking up more of the ball, will he have a similar role against Inter Milan ?
“I won’t comment on his role against Inter before the game. We knew where the spaces were. We were very precise compared to our previous games against Reims, who caused us problems.
For his confidence, it’s good to play 90 minutes. He was lucid and gave some good passes. The whole team showed the character needed to tackle a final. There was no better way to prepare for the final on May 31.”
Enrique “We’ll have a lot of desire and determination to go down in history.”
Are there any pitfalls to avoid in the week leading up to the final ?
“No, there are no traps. We’ve been preparing for this match on the 31st since July 14. It’s been on our minds since the start of the season. It’s been on the minds of the players, the fans and everyone at the club. We’re going to try to manage the emotion that surrounds us. Excessive emotion is always dangerous. We’ll have a lot of desire and determination to go down in history. We’re confident.”
Are all the signs pointing in the right direction?
“We’re continuing to work tactically, with one match a week. The team has been working collectively. We’re keen to be at our best on May 31.”
Is Bradley Barcola full of confidence?
“It’s important that all the players arrive in the best possible condition. Assists and goals are also important for me. Barcola does it very well. He’s had a sensational season. He’s helped his team all season long.
I see the pressure the forwards put on the defenders, who ask for help. It’s the defensive work that interests me in a striker. I already know his offensive talents. It’s essential that everyone contributes in attack and defence.”
Enrique “This is an opponent worthy of a Champions League final.”
What do you think of Inter Milan ?
“To sum up, when they have the ball, they’re very mobile, they’re similar to us in that respect. They have a defense that defends high or low with a lot of quality, they have a lot of resources. We’re going to need a very high-level defence.
We need to know how to manage the ball and the weight of having the ball. They’re an opponent worthy of a Champions League final. We’ll be up to the task too, and we’ll see a very fine final.”
