Luis Enrique on PSG’s struggles against Monaco: “We weren’t used to facing a team that plays like us.” | OneFootball

After Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, head coach Luis Enrique recognised his team’s struggles in fending off a stubborn Monaco team. In his post-match press conference, attended by GFFN, the Spaniard was nevertheless optimistic about the defending champions’ chances against either Barcelona or Chelsea. 

“In the first half, we weren’t used to facing a team that plays like us, at the same level. We’re usually more consistent and accurate. I think the first half was very balanced. In the second half, after we changed some things, we played with more accuracy. I think we deserved the win, but it was difficult. It was a tough match, but I think we can be happy that we overcame that moment.”

“Clearly, we’re the team which has had the worst draw in the Champions League group stage. If there’s one team that’s ready for the next round, it’s us. We’re used to playing in these kinds of matches against any team. Of course we can improve, and we want to improve, but we were playing a top-quality opponent. They showed their quality, and we knew about them.”

Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli had lamented the impact of Mamadou Coulibaly’s red card on the match, arguing that the decision was too harsh and that Lucas Hernandez could have been sent off for a similar offence later on. The Asturian, meanwhile, declined to address the incident: “I don’t comment on referees.”

GFFN | RJ – reporting from the Parc des Princes