(Reuters) – Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris St Germain, declared that despite being at the top of Ligue 1 and having already secured a place in the Champions League knockout stage, there is still more potential for the team to demonstrate. On Wednesday, the team’s 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund confirmed their spot in the Champions League last 16, and they currently hold a four-point lead in Ligue 1. According to the coach, there are further improvements to be made.
Luis Enrique stated during a press conference, “I don’t have any doubts that we will be better. All my teams have improved as the months have passed. In February I have no doubt that we will have players back from big injuries, we are open to the transfer window and the chance of bringing in players. So why would I be negative or play the victim? I am an optimist, that is my nature.”
Despite finishing second in Group F behind Dortmund, the Spaniard expressed his satisfaction with how his team managed to navigate through a challenging group that also included AC Milan and Newcastle United. “If you look at the team statistics, we are leaders in almost every key aspect, possession, chances, expected goals,” Luis Enrique mentioned. “We are certainly one of the best teams but in the group stage we faced teams that you could face in the last 16, quarter-finals or semi-finals. Of course I am optimistic because this wasn’t a normal Champions League group. It was the most difficult one in the competition. We have managed to qualify.”
The draw against Dortmund saw star player Kylian Mbappe visibly upset as the team adopted more conservative tactics towards the end of the game in response to the situation with Milan and Newcastle. “Of course, I understand the players and I understand they are exposed to emotions when they play,” Luis Enrique stated. “I’m the coach. It was a big decision with Milan winning 2-1 at Newcastle late on. We can take risks by trying to score again.”
Looking ahead, PSG have a tough match against fourth-placed Lille, who are currently on an unbeaten streak in their last nine league games and topped their Europa Conference League group without a single loss in their six games. “I think they’re unbeaten since 26 September to be precise,” Luis Enrique commented. “I think they’ve got the second best defence (after Nice). We are playing at their stadium, they are an aggressive team, so it is one of the most difficult games in the league.”
PSG will face Lille with a nine-point lead over them, while second-placed Nice will later visit mid-table Le Havre on Saturday.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Ken Ferris)
