Luis Enrique on the Offensive: Heavy Pressure on Players Ahead of Nice-PSG

Ahead of PSG’s match against Nice in Ligue 1, Luis Enrique addressed the club’s current affairs: there’s no question of taking the end of the season lightly.

Regarding WZE’s participation in the Olympics? “Firstly, I note that there are very few of us (journalists) here. Truthfully, I was unaware of this statement. I don’t read the newspapers, I don’t listen to the radio. I don’t know; there’s the player’s desire and another very different one, which is the club’s interests, as they pay the player.” Luis Enrique explains that all components of the club will meet to discuss the matter and make a decision.

Luis Enrique warns his players, “To arrive prepared for the Coupe de France, you need competition in your legs; every match must be played to high standards. Not all players can play for PSG. Attitude, commitment, behavior must be at their maximum; that’s what we’re looking for at PSG since I’ve been here. Whoever isn’t prepared for that, who is only here when it suits them, who has other priorities linked to individual interests that are not those of the team, will not play for PSG. It’s a very clear message.”

Disgusted. “What I need is motivated players. I believe that for us, in this team, every match counts. After losing to Toulouse, I was very angry, disgusted. Not all players have this mentality.”

Ugarte. “I don’t think it’s fair to make an individual analysis now. The numbers are there, the playing time I give to my players, but we need to wait until the end of the season to make as fair an assessment as possible. From there, our goal is for the team to be stronger next year. We’ve been working on it since the beginning of the season. It’s a big challenge, which is very stimulating.”