Luis Enrique: ‘More like tennis than football’

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique didn’t benefit from the finish to finish nature of their 2-1 defeat to Milan, noting it was ‘extra like tennis than soccer,’ however considers this ‘the hardest group within the Champions League.’

The Ligue 1 aspect had gained the reverse fixture 3-0 at Parc des Princes and thought they had been heading in the right direction this night at San Siro when Milan Skriniar was left unmarked to fulfill a flicked-on nook on the again submit.

Nevertheless, the acrobatic Rafael Leao bicycle kick and towering Olivier Giroud header turned issues round.

“I favored the best way we performed, as we scored the primary purpose and had many different alternatives,” stated Luis Enrique in his press convention.

“The one drawback is that we helped the sport change into loopy. It was meant to be a soccer match, not tennis. It was simply finish to finish, assault in opposition to assault. I didn’t like that.”

The followers definitely loved it, as each Mike Maignan and Gianluigi Donnarumma had been pressured into robust saves to maintain the scoreline down, then Lee Kang-in clipped the upright in stoppages.

“Kylian Mbappé was clear on purpose two or thrice, so was Ousmane Dembele. After they took the lead, Milan clammed up in defence and it turned very troublesome. It was a reasonably balanced sport.

“I noticed two pretty related groups. I want extra management of the initiative, but it surely was extra finish to finish.”

This was a troublesome night time for Donnarumma, who was making his first return to San Siro as an opponent because the free switch in 2021.

The group continuously jeered him and printed up 1000’s of faux financial institution notes to throw at him.

“He has lots of expertise, a robust character,” assured Luis Enrique.

“Soccer is ardour, the followers confirmed what their place was. The environment can solely be like that when there was affection for a participant. He had an excellent sport.”

The group is now vast open, as Borussia Dortmund are on seven factors, PSG six, Milan 5 and Newcastle United 4.

Luis Enrique was requested if Milan will be thought of among the many prime sides in Europe, particularly as they reached the semi-finals final season.

“After all! Clearly! That is such a robust group that there are two video games to go and all 4 groups may nonetheless qualify for the Spherical of 16. It’s the hardest group within the Champions League.

“It’s a pity for us, as a result of if we had gained, we’d be virtually certified.”