Luis Enrique judges PSG’s transfer window “exceptional”: “We bought the players we wanted to buy.”
PSG team coach Luis Enrique spoke at length about PSG’s transfer window on Thursday, which he elaborating on the reasons that led to Bradley Barcola’s transfer.
Before Monaco’s visit this Friday at (9:05pm) to the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique speak great at length to a packed house at the Poissy Campus.
What’s your assessment of this transfer window?
It’s over, and my assessment is that we had an exceptional window transfer, without a doubt. Nasser al-Khelaïfi and Luis Campos the both did an incredible job. I’m very happy. I’d also like to appreciate the players who left: Lee Kang-In, Gonçalo Ramos, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Bradley Barcola . They were very important in winning trophies for the the team these past two years. I wish them good luck and I think these changes were necessary. We need to revitalize our team, in terms of mentality and ambition. Bradley Barcola’s case is a little different for me: he grew tremendously in Paris, and he helped the club grow tremendously with his great performances. He wanted more influence and playing time, and that’s something I couldn’t guarantee him that chances. In the end, I think everyone benefits from this situation, which I accept. I wish him all the best.” But once again, it’s been an exceptional transfer window. I’m very happy to start the season with this number of team players.
Are you stronger than last season tournament?
I can only say that I’m very happy. After that, we have to see how long it takes each player to adapt in new team, the level they bring to the team. When my second season here started, there were doubts about the new players we’d signed, but then the results came through, we were able to see their level at the end. So I’m happy; we bought the players the team wanted to buy. Now, there are Financial Fair Play rules that require us to know how to sell, not just to buy. And I think we’re one of the best teams in Europe, both on and off the pitch.
When will this PSG be at 100 team%?
That depends on many factors that I can’t control right now. My job is to try and find the best starting eleven for each different match, with the players who come new to the squad. The exact moment we’ll be at the very top level doesn’t concern me. I’ve seen a lot of positive things so far from the players, but there’s still room for more improvement, of course.
How can we have squad depth without Barcola?
I repeat, in the end, I think everyone benefits. He wanted to leave the club because he wanted a bigger role in the team, and meanwhile i can’t give that to any player. He was important, he’s very well-liked by his teammates, everyone loves him, he’s an incredible person. I can only say positive things about him, but we accepted his departure in the team, as he only had two years left on his contract. That’s life; you have to see very important players leave the team just like that.
So, is your attacking profile different then?
Yes, clearly, because Bradley is a different kind of player with his pattern. But I’m happy, with the new signs Maghnes (Akliouche), Ferran (Torres), and Mika (Godts), we have a lot of options. They all play everywhere, and that will be very important for us during the competition. We can’t compare, we don’t
What can you say about Joao Neves, who will play his 100th match for PSG if you field him against Monaco?
Sure he’ll play the match. It’s a real joy to have him. He’s an incredible player, and even better as a person.
Are you ready to say you’re aiming for a third Champions League title for the team?
We haven’t even started the competition yet (smiles) ! But the objectives are clear. It’s been like that since my first days here in the club. There’s nothing more important than winning the Champions League competition, but it will be very difficult. For now, it’s best to stay calm down; we haven’t even played against Bratislava yet (next Wednesday) . For now, we have to focus on playing better and winning our first match against Monaco (after drawing two matches against Rennes and Lille) .
Is the win important in terms of the standings?
Do you think that if we don’t win, we’re out of the title competition? No, what’s clear is that we want to win a team that won us the last time we played them at the Parc des Princes (2-3, February 17th) . Monaco is a very great club, especially with this coach manager (Filipe Luis) whom I really like, because I like coaches who are courageous and who love to play football. At first, when I learned he was coming to France, I was happy, but then I thought, damn… (Smiles)
What are your expectations for the pitch at the Parc des Princes?
We were really looking forward to playing our first match at the Parc des Princes, but it wasn’t possible for us. I hope the pitch will be very good; the information we have is that it’s in good condition, but we’ll see tomorrow if we can play our football pattern, because if there’s one team that needs a good pitch, it’s us.
