A transfer window Luis Enrique called exceptional
Luis Enrique faced the press on Thursday, ahead of PSG-Monaco. The Spanish coach had promised a full review of Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer business when the window shut. He delivered it.
“We had an exceptional transfer window, for me, without any doubt,” said the PSG boss. He thanked his board and Luis Campos. Four departures defined Paris’ summer: Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, Goncalo Ramos and Kang-in Lee. Four arrivals make up the numbers: Mika Godts, Ferran Torres, Lucas Digne and Maghnes Akliouche.
Luis Enrique stressed the need to sell. “There are financial fair play rules and you have to know how to sell, not just buy,” he said. The double European champions have no problem accepting that they let four players who were in the rotation move on.
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Barcola wanted more minutes
The Barcola case took up a big chunk of the briefing. The winger had joined Paris from Lyon and still had two years left on his deal. He left anyway.
“He wanted more weight in terms of playing time. I couldn’t guarantee that,” Luis Enrique explained. The Spaniard then added a line that sounded like a warning to the rest of the squad: “I can’t give that to any player, you have to earn it in training and in matches.”
The coach made no attempt to downplay the player’s contribution. He praised “an incredible person”, popular in the dressing room. Barcola played a big part in Paris’ last two seasons, the trophy years. “In the end, I think everyone comes out of this situation better off,” Luis Enrique said.
Godts, Akliouche and Ferran Torres brought in to fill the gap
Barcola’s profile will be missed. His pace in behind shaped a lot of Paris’ attacking play. Luis Enrique says it straight: “We made very good use of that in the way we play.”
The Spaniard is now banking on a flexible front three. Godts, Akliouche and Ferran Torres can fill any of the three attacking roles. “When I see what they are already showing in training, I’m pleased,” he said. He rejects any direct comparisons and points out that his new arrivals were judged too quickly in his second season.
PSG host Monaco on Friday 4 September at 21h05 at the Parc des Princes. The first real answer comes on the pitch.
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