On Tuesday, as part of matchday 6 of the Champions League 2024-2025 league phase, Paris Saint-Germain (ranked 25th) take on RB Salzburg (ranked 32nd) at the Red Bull Arena (kick-off 9pm, broadcast on Canal+Foot). On the eve of this encounter, Parisian striker Bradley Barcola (22) answered several questions at a press conference.
Barcola “We’re not putting any extra pressure on ourselves, but we know it’s now or never.”
After an exceptional start to the season, how do you explain this downturn and what needs to be improved?
I don’t know how to explain it. I need to regenerate my confidence and do what I’ve been doing without question. After that, things will take care of themselves.
How do you approach the last few games in the LDC? Is it a battle?
We know it’s going to be complicated. We’ve got to win this game and the last 3. That’s what we’re working for and we’re doing everything we can to win. We’re not putting any extra pressure on ourselves, but we know it’s now or never.
Barcola: “It’ll do.”
No goals in the LDC when you’re leading Ligue 1? Is it up to you to be the leader?
I don’t have an explanation, but we need to regain our confidence and not question ourselves in front of goal. We all have to play together and make the right choices. If someone else scored, I’d be just as happy. I know I have more responsibility, and I’m going to give my all to score or to see that others score.
Are you worried about the LDC?
No, we need to put the right pressure on ourselves. We know we really have to win. We’re going to do things together and that’s going to do it.
What kind of work is coach Luis Enrique asking you to do? What are the instructions?
It’s to play a great match, not to ask questions, to play without listening to what people say about us. We have to concentrate on the team and on playing together.
Barcola “It’s good to have a player like him.”
Does the return of Ramos change your game? Do you cross more?
We know we have more presence in the box, and that gives us more confidence in the box. He’s also good with his back to the ball. It’s good to have a player like him, present in the whole area.
How do you avoid doubts?
I rely on the team, I trust them and our coach. We know we have a good team. We know what we have to do. We work very hard on these big matches. I’m confident we can do it.
60 shots in 3 games for 1 goal, did you talk to the strikers? How do you explain the difficulties?
We talk about it a lot amongst ourselves, we know we have this responsibility. We talk, we work. We’re trying to restore the confidence we had at the start of the season, when we were scoring a lot and finding each other without even looking at each other. We hope it’ll come back as soon as possible.
Barcola “What he tells us most is to move everywhere, to take up space.”
Does Luis Enrique have a wearisome method? Is he tiring on a daily basis?
He gives instructions and we listen to them. He’s not tiring. He’s behind us, encouraging us. We trust him.
Don’t you feel restricted in your game?
No, we have a lot of freedom even if we have instructions. What he tells us most is to move around and take up space. It’s not a problem.
Did you watch the Salzburg match against Brest?
No, but we did watch Salzburg. We know they’re going to press us. We know that’s a very good thing for us, because there’ll be space.
Do you have any experience to bring to this group?
That’s something I’m working on. I’m not someone who works a lot on the pitch, but I try to talk and give instructions. Lack of experience can be a weakness, as in our management, for example against Atlético. But it’s up to us to manage despite our youth.
