PSG Manager Confident Ahead of Liverpool Clash, Hails Team’s Progress
The Paris Saint-Germain manager exuded serenity and confidence during a recent press conference, addressing concerns about his team’s mental fortitude and emphasizing their readiness for the upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool. He dismissed any notion of fear within the squad, contrasting the current team with previous iterations, stating he has never witnessed such apprehension among professional players.
"I have never seen a team play with fear," he asserted. "Whether it’s the PSG of today or those of the past, I haven’t seen it. A professional doesn’t have that. I don’t think players have been afraid in years past at Paris Saint-Germain."
His comments aimed to dispel any lingering doubts about the team’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in crucial Champions League encounters. He instead highlighted the team’s positive momentum and consistent performance throughout the season.
"Everyone has their opinion," he acknowledged, referring to external perceptions. "But the team is on a good dynamic, having a good season from the start. Right now, we are very good. It’s perhaps the best first period of the season."
He pointed to their recent performance against Lille as evidence of their current form and level of competitiveness. Despite recognizing the challenge that Lille posed, he emphasized the dominance PSG displayed during the match.
"It’s one of the best teams in Ligue 1, they are in the Champions League, and hindering them as much as we did shows our level. Now, we need to think about the Champions League, about the two matches against Liverpool, and be ambitious as we have always been until now, and rest."
The manager acknowledged that there is always room for improvement and stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive environment within the squad to prevent complacency. He made it clear that the team is constantly striving to refine its performance in all aspects of the game.
"We are not going to change much before Liverpool," he explained. "It was a test. Lille and Liverpool have similarities. We put so much pressure on Lille that they couldn’t play out from the back. We were very good in the first period with and without the ball. It was a perfect test to prepare before Liverpool. It will be different, very complicated, but we are in our best moment of the season."
He elaborated on the team’s potential for further development, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and the ever-present threat of competition within the squad.
"We can improve in many areas, and that’s the dynamic we must have. There is a lot of competition. Whoever falls asleep is replaced. We need to be ready for all the complications we will have in the Champions League and all the matches that are coming."
Regarding the team’s performance against Lille, he expressed satisfaction with their overall display, particularly in the second half, highlighting their effectiveness both with and without possession. He also attributed the fluidity of their play to a collective effort and a shared understanding of their roles.
"The second period shows better what the match should have been like. But given our exceptional pressure, the accuracy with the ball, we can have this kind of half. It can influence the match. The second period was more normal but the result is fair and we are very satisfied with the team."
He further addressed the team’s improved scoring efficiency in recent weeks, attributing it to a more collective approach where individual players are not solely burdened with the responsibility of scoring goals. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the willingness of players to prioritize assists over personal glory.
"When no player has an obligation to score a lot and the team has so many opportunities, you just have to find the best-placed player. We value the assist. The team has that mentality. Four different goalscorers tonight (Saturday). When we have that, we score more goals, and the players manage to find the best-placed player, it was perhaps more difficult before."
Analyzing the different phases of the game, the coach admitted a slight drop in intensity during the second half against Lille, attributing it to the opponent’s adjustments and the natural ebb and flow of a match against a Champions League-level team. However, he remained largely satisfied with his team’s performance and did not fault their efforts.
"Everything was fluid with and without the ball. In the second period, the rival changed, we put less pressure on them, and it’s a Champions League team. It reflects what the match should have looked like. The management may have been more relaxed. We play every three days. I don’t blame the players for anything."
When asked to compare the current PSG team to the previous year’s squad, he asserted that the team has become more complete in both attack and defense. He also emphasized the importance of having a deeper squad, allowing for greater flexibility and tactical options.
"In terms of numbers, the team has already improved since last season. We are now more complete in attack and defense. When we only have 11 or 12 players, it’s not as good as 15 or 16. Each player has his profile. The players are having a good season, but we can put pressure with 11 players and attack with 11. I said that last year, and I was ultimately right."
Reiterating his earlier point about the team’s fearlessness, he affirmed that PSG will approach both matches against Liverpool with a winning mentality, regardless of the venue. He acknowledged Liverpool’s formidable reputation but insisted that PSG will not adopt a defensive or cautious approach.
"We are not coming to speculate," he declared. "Whether we are at home or away, we play to win. Liverpool is perhaps the best team in Europe. But it’s not in our mentality to protect ourselves, speculate, or put out a defensive team. We don’t see ourselves as inferior. It’s 50/50, and we will try to turn that in our favor. It will be tough. It’s a real team, similar to ours with 11 players attacking and 11 defending. But no fear, neither here nor at Liverpool."
He further elaborated on his understanding of Liverpool’s strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the thoroughness of his preparation for the upcoming encounters. He described Liverpool as the most in-form team in Europe and acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge that PSG faces.
"I already know the Liverpool team very well. I know them even better after analyzing them. It’s the team in the best form in Europe. Game, performance, results… It could have been a Champions League final; unfortunately, it’s only a Round of 16 match, but we will play with our weapons to try to be better than Liverpool."
Finally, he addressed the notion that PSG is among the best teams in Europe in terms of counter-pressing, ball usage, efficiency, and chance creation, citing Champions League statistics to support his claim. He dismissed the notion that Ligue 1 is an easy league, highlighting the team’s impressive performance in European competitions.
"Without a doubt," he responded when asked about PSG’s counter-pressing abilities. "The use of the ball too, the efficiency, the opportunities created… When you look at the statistics in the Champions League, knowing that everyone thinks Ligue 1 is easy before playing it, PSG is one of the best teams in Europe."
In conclusion, the manager’s remarks painted a picture of a confident, well-prepared, and ambitious PSG team ready to face the challenge of Liverpool in the Champions League. His emphasis on teamwork, mental fortitude, and a relentless pursuit of improvement suggest that PSG will be a formidable opponent.
