Luis Enrique: "Auxerre know how to switch the play well" | OneFootball

The Paris Saint-Germain manager answered questions from PSG TV and from the media ahead of his side’s game against AJ Auxerre, which kicks off at 21:00 CET tomorrow (Matchday 14 of Ligue 1) at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.

ON AUXERRE

'Auxerre are in very good form at the moment and have won a lot of their home games. They know how to switch the play well and can create major problems for their opponents, not least thanks to their three forwards and their use of the wings. It'll be a difficult game; we've got no doubts about that.'

ON THE GRADUAL RETURN OF Presnel Kimpembe AND Lucas Hernandez

'Lucas has fully returned to the team. Presnel has also overcome his injury, but he needs to adapt to the rhythm of the team. We're very happy to have them back in the side.'

ON THE WINTER TRANSFER WINDOW

'We're always open to the idea of looking at every opportunity, but we're not going to sign any new players if we're not certain that they can improve the squad. I think that it's a difficult window for everyone. Regarding the players that aren't playing regularly, when I like what I see from them in training, I'm open to giving them more game time.'

ON HIS ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT SEASON

'Our season is still a very good one. It's true that we've made mistakes, but we're analysing them, and I can see considerable growth within the team. I even think that the problems that we've faced in the Champions League can be a positive thing because they'll help us to improve. There's nothing better for self-improvement than being in a difficult position and struggling to win games. As for everything else, from what I can see and from what the team is showing me, things are positive.'

ON Désiré Doué

'Désiré is a player that I love. He can play both centrally and on the wing, but he's only 19, and he needs to adapt, which is normal. I'm always obsessed with creating competition so that no one rests on their laurels. I like intensity, be it in training or in games. In Désiré's case, I like what I'm seeing, but I want even more from him. We have a lot of faith in him.'

ON THE SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER

'We're going to be playing important games in the league, in the Champions League and in the Coupe de France, against Lens. These will be five difficult games, but we're heading into this period with a lot of enthusiasm.'

ON HAVING ACADEMY GRADUATES IN THE SQUAD

'We're always open to bringing academy players into the first team; we try them out and promote some of them. Young players need to be given the chance to play, but you can't rush things, as they need months of training. We have some quality young players, and we'll use them. When? That will depend on their progress over the next few months and on what the team needs.'

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