MADRID, 14 (EUROPA PRESS)
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique Martinez has said that he does not feel comfortable during a match "not believing" in his players, and that is why he was not surprised by the late reaction against Tottenham Hotspur to equalize (2-2) in the European Super Cup and then win it on penalties (4-3).
"I think it's difficult to talk about this match because we've only trained for five or six days. What's incredible are our fans, who are there all the time regardless of the results; they're there and support the team. And for us, it's very nice to get this trophy, to have won it and to present it to our fans," Luis Enrique told Canal+ France on Wednesday from the sidelines.
"I think everyone played a very good game. They were stronger than us because it was a very difficult situation for us, and we had the same fighting spirit until the end," he praised Spurs. "I don't know if it's fair, but that's football, and we're happy for our fans," the PSG coach added from Udine, Italy.
Not surprisingly, he was blunt despite the title: "We must improve; I expect much more from my players." Minutes later in the press room at the Stadio Friuli, 'Lucho' elaborated on his arguments. "I have to say that, to be honest, I don't think we deserve this trophy because we could see the difference between a team like Tottenham, who had been training for six weeks, and us, who had only been training for six days," he stated.
He then emphasized that there had been "a huge difference" between his players and Thomas Frank's. "I think we tried to play our game for 80 minutes and failed, but in the end we were fortunate enough to score two goals and go to penalties. That's football; it's a very good moment for us, and I'm very happy for our fans, who are always there," the Asturian coach reiterated.
"Today was a very strange match. This difference is normal because you have to train, you have to prepare, you have to have not only the physical condition, but also the technique. That's why, for me, today we saw the players lacking technique, I'd say, because it's normal. I remember when I was a player, the first few weeks after returning from vacation were like, 'Ugh, what is this?' It's very different. And if you're playing a final against a team like Tottenham, I think they deserve it much more," he said.
"I don't feel comfortable letting my players down because we've seen their attempts to press and get into the box since the 80th minute, and for us it's been a good moment because of those who came off the bench: Kang-in, Gonçalo, Mbaye, Fabián... I'm missing one. Only four? I've made five substitutions, right? Well, I don't remember, it doesn't matter. Because of all those who played and those who got into the box for second chances. For me, I think the players have been very brave and I'm happy to see their performance," admitted Luis Enrique.
He was also asked about newly signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. "I'm very happy with his end to the game; it's important for him. He showed character and personality, which is what we need to help the team. He has personality, and I'm very happy with his performance. I think we're on the right track; we want to improve, and I think we'll do even better throughout the season. His first game was difficult for him; everyone is talking about this situation, but he showed personality and the character we need to play for PSG," he emphasized.
"If I have to talk about something important for us, and it was one of the keys last year, last season, it's belief. We always think we can win every game, even if we're losing. But, to be honest, I have to say that Tottenham deserved much more. They played better than us during the first 80 minutes, and football is sometimes unfair," he concluded.
