On the eve of the clash against FC Metz, Luis Enrique addressed the Parisian headlines in a press conference: goalkeeper management, missed penalties, injuries, the title race, and European momentum. The Spanish coach was clear about the competition between the posts: “The mentality and the way the three goalkeepers train is very good. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I am very happy to have three goalkeepers of a very high level.” There is no fixed hierarchy, but clear satisfaction with the squad’s mindset.
Asked again about the team’s lack of efficiency from the spot, Luis Enrique responded with irony and firmness: “I know the stats because you remind me all the time… especially when they are negative. Yes, we have missed penalties. It’s normal — the ones who miss are the ones who take them.” He pointed out that several players can take responsibility: Vitinha, Dembélé, Doué, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Ramos, Hakimi or Lee. “There may not be a true specialist, but we have many players who can take them. At the moment there are small problems, but we will overcome this thanks to the quality of my players.”
Injuries, Squad Rotation and the Title Push
Criticized for the team’s performances, the coach defended his side: “You want us to play like last year, but what you want is impossible. We were losing 2–0 after 20 minutes and we won. We played in an incredible way. I am very happy with what I saw.” A direct reference to the comeback victory against AS Monaco.
Luis Enrique would like to rest some key players, but circumstances prevent it: “Every time he plays, he is good. I would like to give Vitinha and Warren (Zaïre-Emery) some rest, but I can’t.” He explains this choice by the high number of injuries this season: “What changed my mindset this year is the number of injuries. I can’t rotate many players.” As for Ousmane Dembélé, recently injured, he will not be rushed back: “It was a knock. We have the mentality of taking no risks with players. Injuries are part of football.” Focus remains sharp before Europe: “We will approach the Metz match for what it is — a very important game. We must put pressure on Lens and win the three points. I don’t remember a match against the bottom team that was easy.” Clear message: three points first, controlled rotation, and maximum vigilance.
