Paris St Germain manager Luis Enrique openly expressed that he felt uneasy while observing the team’s nerve-wracking victory against Girona in the Champions League this past Wednesday.
The high level of tension during the game added to his discomfort, making it a less enjoyable experience for him overall.
“I think we were superior”
Girona’s goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who had stopped multiple attempts from the French champion, made a disastrous mistake in the closing moments of the game to give the home team a 1-0 victory. PSG went on to win.
Luis Enrique said “I think we were superior, but Girona played us in circles and made us dizzy. At halftime, we said that if we didn’t press, we were going to suffer. We had to win, and it was very difficult,”
“It was very difficult. I told (Girona manager) Michel that this was worse than giving birth, with all due respect.” He added.
“We are going to have to play matches against teams that have easier schedules than ours”
The 36-team league’s top eight teams automatically advance to the final 16, while the remaining 16 compete in an additional round of knockout competitions.
The new Champions League format matches teams up against eight different opponents in eight games.
According to Luis Enrique, the format casts doubt on the importance of the findings.
Enrique said “Winning a match or any title is difficult, but we don’t know the dimension of this competition with this format,”
He also added “We are going to have to play matches against teams that have easier schedules than ours. How many points are we going to need? There are many unknowns that need to be cleared up.”
PSG was still victorious, but soon before halftime, striker Marco Asensio hobbled out. Nonetheless, Luis Enrique was assured of his team’s strength.
“He felt a twinge. Marco had started the season well. This is professional football, and we have a very good squad.” He said.
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