Paris Saint-Germain hosted Toulouse FC on Friday for Matchday 28 of Ligue 1 and won 3-1. Speaking to PSG TV, Luis Enrique, the club’s manager, reflected on his players’ performance.
Luis Enrique: “It was time to get these three points.”
“I’m very happy. We knew how important these three points were, especially because this match came after the international break. It’s difficult to manage because we had a lot of players involved; most of them traveled and played matches. It was time to get these three points. We played on a Friday, which made it even more difficult because we had one less day of rest, but the team showed its ability to manage this match, and now it’s time to enjoy the weekend with rest for the players and rest for the team.”
Luis Enrique: “It shows his level, it shows his ability to unleash this team.”
It’s time to enjoy this and rest, especially mentally, and then prepare for the first leg against Liverpool next week. I asked Achraf Hakimi how many of his 200 matches he’d actually played, and he told me 199, more or less! I’m joking, but it’s a pleasure to see a player like Hakimi, captain today when Marquinhos isn’t there. It shows his level, it shows his ability to unleash this team, and we’re very happy. We hope he’ll play another 200!”
An important victory for PSG, most of whose players were back from the international break. It’s never easy to return to competition after a two-week break where each player was playing for their national team. But in the title race, the capital club couldn’t afford to drop points this Friday evening, especially at home.
With four days to go before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, the Parisians needed to boost their confidence to be at 100% for this crucial first match. Things now seem to be going their way, and PSG are once again showing they are ready to deliver in the crucial final moments. They are also consolidating their position at the top of the group, sending a clear message to their rivals.
