The Paris Saint-Germain coach answered questions from PSG TV and the media ahead of his side's 38th Ligue 1 match against Clermont at the Parc des Princes on Saturday 3 June at 21:00.
sergio rico
"It's a difficult time, but we have to be positive and send as much positive energy as we can to Sergio, his family and his loved ones. We're going through a tough time, but we have to be positive and give Sergio as much energy as we can. He is a boy who is fighting. It's an incredibly difficult week but you have to believe. It was hard to go from celebrating on Saturday night after winning the title in Strasbourg to hearing the terrible news on Sunday morning.
Everyone is very affected. All the time we spend off the pitch, we're thinking about Sergio. So as soon as we're out on the pitch, we try to help the players get rid of their grief. We try to bring a bit of fun into the session and I notice that the players take that moment as a breath of fresh air. On Saturday, there will obviously be a strong message of support for Sergio from the players, the club and our supporters."
the game against CLERMONT
"We're going to play this game because we have to play it with the best possible attitude. We need to make it a pleasant evening for our last home game. We want to finish on a high note. It's important to play a real game of football for Sergio and for the fans who will be there, as well as trying to find some pleasure in this difficult period."
LéO MESSI
"I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This year, he was an important part of the team, always available during training sessions. I think there have been some remarks and criticisms that are not at all justified. When you're 35 years old and you've got statistics like that in a season with a World Cup in the middle... He's always been at the service of the team and the way the game is played."
the u19 FINAL
"I'd like to congratulate the U19s, both the players and coach Papus Camara, on this achievement. El Chadaille Bitshiabu sat his baccalaureate exams this week, which is why he was not in training this morning. We talked about making sure that my young players were available for us, but also about protecting them as much as possible so that they can play in this final on Sunday. Then there are the rules, which mean that players who have played less than 45 minutes can play again the next day. Obviously, I'm going to make sure that Warren Zaïre-Emery doesn't play more than half a match so that he's fit."
the season review
"As the season draws to a close, I'm tired, as I always am. It's a different season to any I've had before. But I still have a lot of energy and a lot of desire. This week, there have been no discussions about next season. Everyone is focused on the situation and Sergio's health. I think there's a time for everything. We have to finish this season and I hope it will be in a good way.
My best memories this year are the matches where we were very good. The team played extraordinary football, especially in the first half of the season, when we were very difficult to beat. But if I have to remember one thing, it's being French champions while being at the top of the table from the first to the last day."