Enrique: PSG Won’t Leave Anything to Chance Against Stuttgart
Luis Enrique, coach of Paris Saint-Germain, said on Tuesday that his team will approach their final group-stage match in the UEFA Champions League knowing that a draw will secure their place in the knockout stages, but he will not focus on what happens in other matches.
Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City last week pushed them into the 22nd position, which qualifies them for a playoff round to reach the Round of 16. Although the French team could still qualify even if they lose to Stuttgart on Wednesday, they will not take any risks.
Enrique told a press conference: “Experience tells me that when someone watches what is happening off the field, they stop focusing on what they need to do on the field, which means we will not leave it to chance. We will go there to win, which will improve our position in the standings, and that is our goal. There will obviously be a lot of changes on the final day of the match, but we will not interfere with that.”
Stuttgart is tied with PSG, both having 10 points and occupying the 24th position, the last spot for the playoff round. Luis Enrique did not underestimate the German team.
The Spanish coach said: “After analyzing Stuttgart, I was not surprised that they finished second last season (in the German Bundesliga) with the way they play and with many international players. Of course, it will be a tough match, they are a team at the fourth level but at a higher level than most other teams; so we are preparing for a very difficult match on their home ground.”
Enrique believes PSG’s performance in the competition deserves a higher ranking and disagrees with those who saw the win over City as a significant improvement.
He stated: “I have a completely different opinion from all of you. You base everything on results, but I don’t do that. I believe that we outperformed every team we faced in the Champions League, especially at home. But of course, in football, if you are not decisive in front of goal, it’s hard to win matches. I think we are on the same path we’ve been on all season.”
The top 8 teams automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the teams ranked 9th to 24th compete in a two-legged playoff to secure a place in the next round.
