Luis Enrique was quick to underline the resilience and belief shown by Paris Saint-Germain after their hard-earned 3-2 victory over AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday night.
Reflecting on a pulsating encounter, the PSG boss admitted the contest tested his side in every department, particularly after falling two goals behind early on.
“My first impression: what a struggle. It was a strange match,” Enrique said.
“I have to say that out of the last six matches here, this is only the second one we’ve won. It shows how difficult it is.”
However, the Spaniard was keen to begin by praising the travelling support, crediting them for helping spark the comeback when momentum appeared to be slipping away.
“I would like to start this reaction by thanking our supporters. They are incredible,” he continued.
“When we were 2-0 down, all we could hear was our fans, full of confidence and support for the team. This win is for them.”
As the tempo shifted and PSG clawed their way back into the contest, Enrique highlighted both the tactical challenge Monaco posed and the mental strength required to respond.
“The match was difficult because the first two times they beat our press, they scored two goals,” he explained.
“It was difficult to turn it around, but I have to congratulate the players, both individually and collectively, because I believe we deserved this victory, even if it was difficult.”
The Parisian comeback did not come without further adversity, including a missed penalty that threatened to derail their momentum once more.
For the gaffer, how his young squad handled those moments was just as important as the result itself.
“Very focused,” he said when asked about his players’ mindset.“In football, there are many moments in a match when you can lose confidence, when you can have problems. Overcoming that isn’t easy.”
He added: “We did it in the first half, but then we missed a penalty, which is even worse for confidence. Competition is tough, and it’s difficult to perform well all the time.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Enrique acknowledged the growing expectations around PSG this season and the pressure that comes with being favourites, particularly for a youthful squad.
“You have to understand that we’re a very young team and there’s pressure,” he noted.
“Last year, it was a different kind of pressure because no one thought we were going to be champions. This year, we are under pressure, we like that pressure.”
He concluded with a note of satisfaction and ambition ahead of the return leg in Paris.
“It’s not an excuse. You have to understand that overcoming that pressure isn’t easy, but I’m happy.”
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