This Tuesday, the Paris Saint Germain eliminated the Barcelona and advanced to the semi-finals of Champions League. The French club reversed the 3-2 defeat at Parque dos Príncipes, making it 4-1 against the Catalans at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Luis Enrique, PSG coach, in a press conference after the match, praised the commitment of his players and thought the result was fair given what was presented on the field.
“We started brilliantly. In the 12th minute, Lamine (Yamal) made a spectacular play and Barça scored first. Then there was Araújo’s expulsion. We played a complete game from start to finish. Our players are proud of this victory”, said Luis Enrique.
Asked about Ronald Araújo’s expulsion, 29 minutes into the first half, the PSG commander preferred not to comment on the refereeing. “I don’t usually judge. I didn’t see it. I try to protest little or nothing. Today, our team took a step of maturity. We’re going to play against Dortmund, who we already faced in the group stage. I’m not talking about the referees. I’ve been trying for 12 years accept any decision and focus on what I can control.”
In our veins 💉🩸
Heading to the semi-finals! 👀❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/LvFEjqfHgB
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) April 16, 2024
“How difficult it was for me to play against Barça. I tried to control my emotions. We didn’t deserve to lose (in the first leg), but we lost, we didn’t deserve to concede a goal today in 12 minutes, but we did. It’s obvious that the expulsion plays an important role. The result is fair”, he pointed out.
The Spaniard planned the duel against Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final of the European competition. The German club, in the quarter-finals, eliminated Atlético de Madrid, this Tuesday. For Luis Enrique, the tie will be ‘equally crazy’.
“The semi-final will certainly be equally crazy. Dortmund play very well. They generate action with and without the ball. Do you remember that we were in the group of death? Now, we will see ourselves in the semi-final. It will be difficult, but there is time to prepare. We want to give joy to our fans”, said the coach, recalling the group stage clashes, in which PSG won one (2-0) and drew the other (1-1).
Luis Enrique took the opportunity to praise Mbappé, who scored two goals in Tuesday’s duel. The coach, however, did not want to talk about the renewal of the French star. “Let’s wait for Mr. Kylian Mbappé to speak. From then on we will give our opinion. I am a silent witness. Kylian’s work in pressing today was fundamental.”
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
