Luis Enrique wary of PSG players “motivation” ahead of Strasbourg test

Luis Enrique spoke during his pre-match press conference ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s return to Ligue 1 action following the international break. The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player expressed the difficulties of motivating his side after an international break, and not repeating a previous “bad” result against OGC Nice (3-2) at the Parc des Princes. The Spaniard’s words were transcribed by GFFN.

“As a player, I experienced it for years when I played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, then I experienced it as a coach at Barça and now at Paris Saint-Germain. When players are in the national team, they are always very excited. That’s logical and normal, and I accept it,” Enrique explained during his pre-match press conference.

“It’s not an easy thing to do, especially with these breaks where the first match back is a league game and the next a Champions League match, like the one against Milan, where the motivation will be high,” continued the PSG coach.

“It would be a mistake to think that the match against Strasbourg will be easy. It’s a much tougher match than the one against Milan. For Milan, I’ll have to calm the players down. Whereas on Saturday, I’m going to have to motivate them, get them excited. That’s why this match against Strasbourg involves a lot more problems for me, with a very young opposition, super motivated and coached by a very good coach [Patrick Vieira],” Enrique concluded.

Les Parisiens face Patrick Vieira’s Strasbourg side at the Parc des Princes tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 17:00 CET) before facing Serie A side AC Milan at home in the Champions League only several days later.

GFFN | George Boxall