Luis Enrique: 'A test against a quality opponent'
The Paris Saint-Germain coach answered questions from PSG TV and the media before Matchday 18 of Ligue 1 against RC Lens, on Sunday 14 January at 20:45 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Excerpts.
LENS
"Sunday's match is very exciting. I have never been to this stadium before. The fans in the middle, the atmosphere... it's spectacular. They are a team playing in Europe, of a high caliber. I really like this team. It could be a very good way to test ourselves. This encounter has all the ingredients that a top-level team could dream of. They are almost unbeatable at home. They are a team that presses, that doesn't give you much time to think. It's a big test, in a stadium with a great atmosphere, I'm delighted."
MANUEL UGARTE
"It's not easy to change clubs. It's not easy for a young player, nor for a player with experience. Changing countries, languages... Each period of adaptation is different. I see that Manuel is doing well. He's a team player, impressive, with a very strong personality. I'm not worried at all, none of my players give me any concerns. It's part of the life of a big club. It's a process that has nothing to do with age but with the present time, events in life, or different things. I see all the recruited players in adapting well. Even the young players from the Youth Academy are adapting. It's probably easier for the French players, but that's normal."
LUCAS BERALDO
"As I was saying, there's inevitably a period of adaptation. It's also summer in Brazil while here, we are in the midst of winter. He is doing well, adapting. He is very mature for his age. We are like a family in this club. We are trying to ensure that he adapts quickly. He is a different player, with different qualities."
MERCATO
"I don't need anything, I already have everything. I have a lot of players, and good players at that. We always have to be open to the idea of improving the team, in every transfer window. So, we are attentive, open. But in terms of needs, we don't have any."
YOUTH
"I am at the final stage. I benefit from the work that is done before. Firstly, the scouting of players, and then their training. All the coaches from the younger age groups play a role in this process. It's crucial to be very patient with young players. They arrive, undergo training, improve... There's a nutritionist to help them, they have access to the gym and they must continue their studies. It's important to maintain a calm atmosphere. It's wonderful for me to have players at this level."