Luis Enrique: 'I can only be optimistic'

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The Paris Saint-Germain coach spoke to the press on Saturday 16 December, on the eve of the trip to Lille for Matchday 16 of Ligue 1.

POSSESSION

It's a source of satisfaction because it's what we want to put in place. And it's not only the case in the league but also in the Champions League. We want to have our own identity here at the club, with young players, and that's something very satisfying. We are a possession-based team, with the ability to transition. We can play in several ways because we have a lot of possibilities.

LILLE

They've been unbeaten for a long time and are a team that plays quite like us. They have a very good coach, I admire the style of football he plays. They can cause a lot of problems for the opposition. They play well both with and without the ball, they have a very good defence, they're aggressive; they're one of the best teams in the league.

THE PARiSIAN YOUTH 

The work of a coach also involves educating. There are the results, but there's also the objective of developing the players, including the young ones. We always aim to improve, and that applies to the youngsters, the more experienced players, and even the staff and the coach.

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

We gave our all in every match and we faced top opponents. Our stats were good. We are positive and optimistic, we know that there will be other big matches. We always want to improve, it's the club's objective. This group in the Champions League has helped us to grow, there were some very good opponents, worthy of the Round of 16 or quarter-finals.

KYLIAN MBAPPE

I don't have to convince the players. Kylian Mbappé has the same freedom as he did before I joined. He is a world class player. He will provide us with lots of goals and assists. We also play to ensure he is in the best possible conditions. We play in several systems, and the players therefore need to adapt. 

THE PROGRESS

I have no doubt that we will be better in the second half of the season. All my teams have been better afterwards. We will regain players who were injured, but we also have the possibility of buying other players if needed. I have no reason to be pessimistic. When I see what we have accomplished in the first part of the season, I can only be positive.

VITINHA

I liked the way Vitinha played. With his qualities, he's capable of varying his game and playing in multiple positions. He can play on both sides or even in the wide areas. It's important for a coach to have players of this quality.