Perfect Saturday night. PSG has regained its position as leader of the French championship thanks to its great success against Le Havre (3-0) at the Parc des Princes which allowed it to calmly approach its next meeting against Tottenham, Wednesday in the Champions League. Present at the press conference, Luis Enrique appreciated the content of the services offered by an organized but diligent team. He also explained the player management of the training center which is being used more and more this season.
Lucas Chevalier was decisive in his goal tonight. Is this the benchmark match with PSG?
LUIS ENRIQUE. Every game is different, you have to watch every game to judge a player’s performance. We have peace. I don’t doubt Lucas, just as I don’t doubt Zabarnyi and Renato Martin. We know it’s difficult to play for a club like PSG. There is always noise and you have to get used to this noise. But I repeat, I have complete confidence in Lucas.
Are you surprised by Nuno Mendes’ quick return to competition?
It’s always good news when we get a player back. Nuno played the full 90 minutes, he feels fine, he is ready for the next game against Tottenham.
How would you explain João Neves’ initial success?
Who is João Neves? Is it the little player who always scores goals? Very beautiful, we see a lot of quality. He was criticized, but being criticized is a normal thing. It’s great to see his development and we’re happy to see he has the ability to score goals.
How do you rate the Le Havre match?
Le Havre should have deserved more, they played well, they had chances. It’s difficult to play this game after the international break. You must set the player loading minutes individually. Le Havre controlled the ball well and deserved more.
Is it important to regain a leadership position?
Of course, as always, this is important. There are teams, such as OM and Lens, who have done their job very well and it is important to win in order to continue to be first. Before this Christmas period there will be important matches in all competitions and it will be important to start this series with a win.
How do you rate Lucas Beraldo’s performance?
It’s natural, in one season, a player experiences ups and downs. We know the quality of our players, I’m not worried, it’s time to know how to manage them. It’s not easy to get each player to play multiple matches. You have to know that to win, we need all the players. Beraldo, Gonçalo (Ramos), Mbaye, Mayulu… Everyone can improve. It’s a very long season, it’s difficult to play well in all the games.
Why do you give so much playing time to titis Paris?
What is important for these players is that they have important playing minutes and have value. If they come in when you’re winning 4-0, it’s pointless. I am very motivated by the idea of giving playing minutes to titis who has a level. I don’t give gifts. Ndjantou deserved to play, Mbaye was in a difficult moment, he lacked confidence, but I remained calm and confident. It is important for me and the club to give confidence to the players at the training center. The players we think have the level, they will have confidence and that’s why we don’t sign external players. It is easier for French players to play for PSG than to spend a lot of money on players from other clubs.
