Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique is urging his team to remain calm as they approach the decisive second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Borussia Dortmund. The French club finds themselves in a 1-0 deficit from the previous encounter, following a narrow victory by Dortmund courtesy of a Niclas Fuellkrug goal on German soil.
Enrique, in an effort to alleviate pressure, emphasized that the objective is not to win by a two-goal margin but rather to secure a victory. He cautioned his players against fixating on the need to overturn the deficit and instead stressed the importance of focusing on scoring the first goal and winning the match. The coach contemplated the possibility of the tie being resolved in extra time or even through penalties.
Drawing inspiration from their remarkable comeback against Barcelona in the quarter-finals, where PSG triumphed 4-1 in the return leg after a 3-2 loss at home, Enrique emphasized that conceding a goal should not deter their confidence. He urged his team to remain composed and assured them that they have the ability to overcome any setbacks, as demonstrated in their previous encounters.
Enrique also addressed the issue of involving their top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, more effectively in the game. Contrary to the notion of dropping deeper to receive the ball, the coach highlighted the importance of positioning Mbappe in areas where he can unleash his potential and make a significant impact.
In terms of preparations, PSG enjoyed a weekend off as their scheduled French league fixture against Nice was postponed until May 15. This respite allowed the team to focus on their Champions League campaign and fine-tune their strategies. Enrique underlined the significance of finding a balance between work and leisure, mentioning his own interests in cycling and playing padel, which contribute to his overall well-being and professional performance.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, the coach acknowledged the possibility of a disappointing outcome but expressed his unwavering determination. Should PSG face defeat, Enrique emphasized the importance of resilience and the commitment to regroup and aim for future success. He acknowledged that life goes on, and even in defeat, there is room for pride and renewed efforts to reach the final in the following year.
PSG, who reached the Champions League final in 2020 but fell short to Bayern Munich, aspire to secure their first-ever trophy in the competition. The team remains optimistic and appreciative of the opportunity to compete in the semi-finals, with Enrique highlighting the privilege of being part of such a prestigious stage.
