“You give scores at the end of the season but the start of our season has been very promising,” said Luis Enrique in a post-match press conference, attended by Get French Football News.
He added, “I like what I’m seeing. I think the start of the season has been better than the last.” That positive appraisal, which came in the wake of a 1-1 draw against OGC Nice on Sunday, is at odds, perhaps, with the external perception of Paris Saint-Germain’s season so far.
That draw, coupled with a defeat to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, means that Luis Enrique now has the lowest win percentage of any PSG manager since Carlo Ancelotti back in 2013. Praised for his management of Les Parisiens last season as they won Ligue 1 at a canter and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, Luis Enrique is now coming in for criticism.
L’Équipe report that the biggest problem remains the difference between Luis Enrique’s tactical philosophy and the strengths of the squad at his disposal. Players such as Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola in particular are seen as deadly in transition, however, this is not how Luis Enrique wants his side to play.
The publication adds that Luis Enrique’s vision of football, his instructions and his inflexibility when those instructions are not followed, are now starting to frustrate some at PSG, although no names were given. Given the Spaniard’s strict adherence to his way of playing, no change is expected. It will be up to his players to conform.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
