‘I want him to get the ball where he is dangerous’: Luis Enrique on his plan for Kylian Mbappé

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·7 de mayo de 2024

‘I want him to get the ball where he is dangerous’: Luis Enrique on his plan for Kylian Mbappé

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique discussed star player Kylian Mbappé (25) in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s second leg with German outfit Borussia Dortmund at the Parc des Princes.

PSG currently trail Dortmund 1-0 after last week’s first leg in Germany, with star man Mbappé enduring a largely forgettable night in the cauldron-like atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park. The French champions are still well in the tie however, and the Spanish coach went on to elaborate on the importance of getting Mbappé into the game:

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“We have a common objective, that’s why we always try to play the ball out of the back and bring it to the forwards in the best way possible. As we are a team, we also demand of the forwards that there are few balls that arrive at our defence. We are all a team and everybody plays an instrument. Footballers can be excellent AND be obliged to defend. Our defenders must help to bring the ball forward.”

A nod to star man Mbappé?

“It’s very simple. Each game is different to the last one. It depends where the spaces are. Sometimes, it’s between the lines, sometimes we have to expand the game to the wings. Our objective is that it’s better the more the best players on the team are in the game. I don’t want the attacker to go looking for the ball in midfield, I want the attacker to touch the ball in critical zones, it’s difficult. I know you want to talk about Kylian and I’m used to speaking about him. As an objectif, we want to get our best players on the ball. Obviously our opponents won’t leave him unmarked on the penalty spot, they’ll let him touch the ball in the middle of the pitch, I want him to get on the ball where he is dangerous.”

Although there is a confidence amongst the squad and fans that the tie can be turned in PSG’s favour, there is also an acknowledgement that this will in all probability be their last chance to capture the trophy with Kylian Mbappé in the squad, the Frenchman almost certainly leaving for Spanish champions Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

There is no doubt that, unlike in seasons past, PSG’s star players will need to bring their best to break down what is sure to be a resolute Dortmund side keen to protect their slender lead. Club captain Marquinhos stressed the importance of keeping calm:

“Against Barcelona, we were calm. The coach insists heavily that a match lasts 90 minutes, sometimes 120. You have to be emotionally prepared for every moment of it, know exactly what you have to do on the pitch. That’s what calms things down: The preparation for the game, the words of the coach and the senior players in the locker room. We don’t know what is going to happen during the match, confidence comes from work. It’s a question of confidence in our preparation, in what we are capable of. It’s a tough opponent, It’ll be a tough match, but we’re not going to change now.”

This PSG team appears to be serene and ready for the challenge ahead, prepared for a tough battle and determined to cement their place in history.

GFFN | Jack McArdle