PSG’s Luis Enrique Warns: “We Can Still Be Out” Despite Salzburg Win
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique had mixed emotions following his team’s commanding 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday. While the win was a much-needed boost for the French giants, Enrique made it clear that there’s still a long way to go if PSG wants to keep their European dreams alive.
“Football is a pretty unfair sport,” Enrique said after the match. “The classification is quite tight, a goal can make a difference, and we still have two important games ahead. We can still be out.”
It’s a sobering reality for a team that has struggled to find its footing in this year’s Champions League campaign. PSG, the current leaders of Ligue 1, endured a rocky start with losses to Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and last season’s Premier League runners-up, Arsenal. These early setbacks left the team scrambling to climb back into contention.
PSG’s Current Standing
Tuesday’s win over Salzburg was a step in the right direction, moving PSG into the playoff places. They now sit 24th in the standings with seven points from six games. However, Enrique was quick to point out that this is far from a comfortable position.
“This wasn’t a better game than PSV (Eindhoven) or Atletico Madrid,” Enrique admitted. “I’d even say it was worse, but that’s football. We know we have to improve, and the squad hasn’t changed a lot. We need points, and we will try to win the next games.”
Key Performances: Nuno Mendes Shines
One bright spot for PSG was the performance of Nuno Mendes, who scored the team’s second goal. Enrique had high praise for the young player, highlighting his versatility and impact on the pitch.
“Nuno brings other solutions for his physical and technical qualities,” Enrique said. “He can both complete the triangle at the back and play up front. He’s playing higher up at the moment. He brings a lot offensively. But that could change.”
Mendes’ ability to adapt and contribute in multiple areas of the game has been a valuable asset for PSG, especially during a season where every point matters.
What’s Next for PSG?
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for PSG. Their next Champions League match is against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on January 22. Following that, they’ll close out their group stage campaign against VfB Stuttgart just seven days later.
Enrique knows the stakes couldn’t be higher. “We don’t have the number of points we should have,” he said. “It was important to score tonight because for one goal, you can be out of the Champions League. We have to go game by game. There’s City now.”
Key Takeaways
- PSG’s 3-0 win over RB Salzburg moves them into the playoff places with seven points from six games.
- Despite the win, manager Luis Enrique remains cautious, emphasizing the need for improvement.
- Nuno Mendes stood out with a strong performance, scoring the team’s second goal and showcasing his versatility.
- PSG faces tough upcoming matches against Manchester City and VfB Stuttgart to close out their group stage.
For PSG fans, the message is clear: celebrate the win, but don’t get too comfortable. With the Champions League’s unforgiving format, every goal and every point will be crucial in the weeks ahead. Can PSG rise to the occasion and secure their spot in the knockout stages? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Luis Enrique and his squad have their work cut out for them.
Originally Written by: ESPN Staff
