Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique expressed his “understanding” of the team’s star player Kylian Mbappe’s frustration at the end of their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
The French club qualified for the competition’s final, finishing second in Group F, after drawing 1-1 with leaders Dortmund.
The team tried to keep score at the end of the match to avoid defeat and thus elimination from the Continental Championship. Luis Enrique called on players to avoid taking risks, especially as Milan were leading 2-1 against their hosts, Newcastle United.
At the final whistle, Mbappé clearly expressed his displeasure at his failure to capitalize on the chances he had to try to win.
Avoid “ridiculous” situations
During a press conference ahead of the match between Paris Saint-Germain and its hosts Lille in the French league, the Spanish coach was asked if he understood Mbappe’s frustration at the end of the match in Dortmund and if he would do it again. He replied: “Yes, I understand, but I’m the one giving the orders. It’s one of the best decisions in the game. “My career.
He added: “With Milan in front, we couldn’t concede any goals. We (opponents) advanced to the penalty area. I understand the players who were moved by their emotions. When Newcastle were equalised, there was no order. To calm down (the game) but from the moment it changed “Score to Milan 2-1. It was ridiculous that we conceded a goal at that time.”
He continued: “We had to maintain full focus. We can make mistakes in these situations. In this case, the technical staff and I made a good decision.”
“Toughest group” in the Champions League
Luis Enrique reiterated that he expects the team’s performance to improve next year: “I have no doubt that we will be better. All the teams I have coached have improved over the months.”
He added: “In February, I have no doubt that we will recover players from major injuries. We are open to the possibility of a transfer window and bringing in players. So why should I be negative or play the victim? I am optimistic, it is my nature.”
He continued: “If you look at the team’s statistics, you will see that we are leading in all the important aspects such as possession, chances and expected goals.”
The coach added: “We are definitely one of the best teams, but in the group stage we faced teams that we could have faced in the quarter-finals, quarter-finals or semi-finals. Of course I am optimistic because this is not an ordinary group in the Champions League. It was a very difficult group in the competition.” “We succeeded in qualifying.”
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