Luis Enrique: "Aware of the importance of Le Classique"
The Paris Saint-Germain coach answered questions from PSG TV and the media ahead of his side's Matchday 27 clash with Olympique de Marseille at the Orange-Vélodrome on Sunday 31 March at 8.45pm. Here are some extracts from the press conference.
PREPARING FOR LE CLASSIQUE
"We want to concentrate on the next game every time and we only prepare the team for the next match. The next one is Marseille, and we're not thinking about anything other than this game. These are different matches, because of the rivalry between the clubs and the fans. You have to go into them highly motivated, and you have to be able to manage your nerves and stay calm. But it's a nice challenge coming back from the break. We're concentrating on our strengths, on what we know how to do, to win matches."
Players coming back
"I can't talk about the length of Bradley Barcola's absence, it's in the hands of the medical staff. But after this international break, almost all the players are ready. We're at a pivotal point in the season. We have to think of the team first, which takes priority over personal interests. But I'm pleasantly surprised by everyone's physical condition, especially in training."
THE APPROACH FOR LE CLASSIQUE
"I'm very aware of the importance of Le Classique for the players, the fans and the club. My job is to ensure that everything goes as well as possible for us. Our aim is to win, to keep getting closer to the title and to beat our rivals. We want to go to Marseille to be competitive and win."
LONG-DISTANCE SHOTS
"A team needs to have options and take advantage of all the characteristics it has. It all depends on the players and the opponents. We have players who can score from distance and shoot from distance. We don't necessarily focus on that, but that's part of the qualities of the players."
MANAGING THE GROUP
"The ideal situation is for a player who is replacing an injured player to be effective and to put in some great performances. We need to keep the players in this group spirit. There's competition and we have to maintain it, so that everyone is ready when the team needs them."
THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL PREPARATION
"I think that to be able to analyse the team, you have to look at the season as a whole. There are ups and downs, the results are influenced by the complexity of football. Physical preparation isn't everything. There are a lot of factors that make up a season."