Luis Enrique Prepares PSG for Champions League Opener Against Girona
As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) gears up for its Champions League opener against Girona at the Parc des Princes, head coach Luis Enrique addressed concerns about his youthful squad during a press conference. Despite being questioned about the potential disadvantages of having a young team in such a high-stakes tournament, Enrique emphasized that experience is not the sole determinant of success. "You can win and not have experience," he stated, asserting that he does not impose limits on his players based on their age or experience.
Enrique, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, believes that while experience is valuable, it is not the only factor that contributes to a team's performance. He noted that even seasoned players can make mistakes, suggesting that the focus should be on playing good football rather than just accumulating experience.
The PSG coach also discussed the ongoing efforts to create a collective identity within the team, particularly in the wake of Kylian Mbappé's departure. "It’s important to evaluate the present through our team project defined last season," he explained, indicating that it might take several months or even seasons to fully assess the effectiveness of the current strategy. Enrique expressed confidence in the direction of the team, stating, "I made the right decision in coming to PSG."
Regarding the upcoming match against Girona, Enrique acknowledged the team's strong start in Ligue 1, where they have secured four consecutive victories. He praised Girona for their impressive performances last season and highlighted the challenge they pose, noting, "Girona will contest the ball with us. This team can do it."
In terms of player selection, Enrique mentioned the versatility of his squad, indicating that he is comfortable rotating players like Marco Asensio and Randal Kolo Muani based on their training performances. He emphasized the importance of readiness among his players, stating, "The season will be long, and the player must get it into his head that we will be able to call on him at some point."
As for his coaching philosophy, Enrique shared that his favorite part of the job is match day, relishing the competition and the relationships he builds with his players. He reflected on the influence he has within the PSG structure, noting that the project is more malleable compared to his time at Barcelona. "I have more influence in Paris with the president and Luis Campos to create this structure," he said, expressing his motivation to develop the team further.
With high expectations for the Champions League, Enrique remains focused on ensuring that his team is prepared to face the challenges ahead, both on and off the pitch.
