This Saturday at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique chose a reshuffled team to face Lille in the championship.
Despite several executives on the sidelines - Kylian Mbappé, Warren Zaire-Emery, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marquinhos - Paris won against the Mastiffs (3-1) by offering a determined and biting face.
Something to rejoice the Spanish coach, invited to a press conference after the match.
A victory, no injuries and a rotation: is it a perfect evening?
LUIS ENRIQUE.
It's a very complete match.
A match that looked a bit like the one against Brest.
It will also look like the one against Real Sociedad because we will have to press well.
They forced us to perform.
We were at the level.
We saw the players' desire to be better, match after match.
Was it important to win without Kylian Mbappé?
The coaches always try to create a collective even if Kylian can change the dynamic of a match through his individual qualities.
The goal is for each player to be ready and that was the case against Lille despite different playing times.
How do you judge Ousmane Dembélé's performance?
He is one of the most consistent and consistent players.
He can overwhelm, make assists, help us in defense, create space.
He is one of the best signings of the season and a vital player for us.
We have to send a collective message of unity because sometimes we can play without Ousmane Dembélé.
We saw with Nordi Mukiele that he could perform well, for example.
Marquinhos suffered a blow against Brest and we didn't want to take any risks.
The defense was great, with Nordi Mukiele and Lucas Beraldo.
What is the news regarding Kylian Mbappé?
He feels good physically.
We didn't want to take any risks.
If it had been a final, he would have played.
This was not the case.
It wouldn't have made sense for him to play.
On Wednesday he will be 100% without a doubt.
“We talk about it like a life and death match.
This is not the case.
We must remain calm, have the desire but without feeling pressure”
Do you know your starting XI for Wednesday?
Honestly, I decide the eleven on match day after training.
Training is important, I insist.
In this match against Lille, we were able to be strong against one of the best teams in the championship, who had to be pressed hard.
It was interesting to play Brest and Lille before Real Sociedad because they have similar qualities.
The Champions League excites us and we want to give joy to our supporters.
You say we have to stay calm in the Champions League.
What do you mean ?
I see, I feel, I perceive things around the club.
We've only been talking about the Champions League for three weeks.
We talk about it like a life and death match.
This is not the case.
We must remain calm, have the desire but without feeling pressure or anxiety.
The goal should give us pleasure, not limit us.
We are in one of the best dynamics in Europe but there should be no excessive pressure.
We want to win the Champions League, Paris has never won it.
Those who have the pressure are the clubs which have already won it.