Luis Enrique expressed concern on Tuesday over the limited preparation time available to some of his players ahead of the European Super Cup against Aston Villa in Salzburg. The PSG head coach also refused to discuss the transfer market, in particular Ferran Torres, who is reportedly negotiating a move from Barcelona to the reigning Champions League winners.
“Ferran Torres? I don’t talk about the transfer market. I only talk about the players who are at PSG,” Luis Enrique said.
The Spanish coach also praised the quality of Spanish managers and the level of Spanish football.
“Spanish football has been at the highest level for several years. With this second star, I hope this is the beginning of many more successes for the national team and Spanish football. Luis Aragonés started this possession-based style of football, and so did Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, who managed to win while playing attractive football. They opened the way,” he said.
Luis Enrique also highlighted the lack of time he has had to work with his full squad.
“We want to be in the best possible condition at the end of the season, not at the beginning of the season. Last year was unusual, and this year is the same. In terms of preparation, it is difficult to manage the number of minutes each player will be able to play. We will see on Wednesday, but it is complicated. We will try to perform at our best.”
Winning a third consecutive Champions League title would represent a huge challenge for PSG. Only Real Madrid have achieved the feat, while Ajax and Bayern Munich also managed it in the 1970s, when the competition was still known as the European Cup.
“We have set very ambitious objectives from the beginning, and we will continue to do so. It is a different moment now, and everyone thinks we can still win. But that is only the theory. We have to prove on the pitch that we have the level required. We still want to win, but it will not be easy. History has shown that,” Luis Enrique said.
“I have practically relaxed throughout the summer. We are fresh and happy to be back. We are gradually getting the players back. We are starting the season with a final, and that means we did a good job last year. We will aim to be competitive,” Luis Enrique said during the official press conference ahead of Wednesday’s European Super Cup clash with Aston Villa, managed by his compatriot Unai Emery.
“I am lucky because I have players who are always motivated. They don’t need any extra motivation; they always try to improve. I am very fortunate to have players like that,” the Spaniard added.
“The important thing is to be unpredictable for the opponent. That is very important, and that is what we are looking for. It will be important for us throughout the season. We are going to start the season with the same desire to win trophies,” Luis Enrique said.
The PSG boss has included Bradley Barcola in the squad despite speculation surrounding his future, with the player reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool.
“We will train and then make a decision. I don’t know what will happen with him. I don’t want to talk about any player individually because it is always dangerous when you are asked something positive or negative about a player,” Luis Enrique added.
The PSG coach also declined to comment on the broader state of football and, specifically, FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“I have an opinion, but I won’t talk about it here. This is not the place. I am focused on my players and my work. UEFA and Infantino are for the politicians, and I am not a politician,” Luis Enrique concluded.