Two points from three league games
PSG host Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes. The reigning champions are kicking off their European campaign in a climate they have not known for a long time.
The record is ugly. A defeat to Lens in the Trophée des Champions (1-0), despite a long spell with a numerical advantage. A draw with Rennes (2-2). A draw with Lille (2-2). A loss at the Parc against Monaco (1-2). Two points from three Ligue 1 matches and four straight games without a win in all competitions.
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The coach says it straight
Luis Enrique did not dodge the question in his news conference. “If we are only talking about results, then this is a catastrophic start to the season,” the Spaniard said.
He then added a caveat, without softening the verdict. “We are trying to assess and judge what is happening on the pitch. There are things we need to improve. We deserve more points. Football is like that. You have to accept it and work to get better.”
The defence is being put under the microscope. “At the back, the players have to show where they can improve. We have not been unlucky when the opposition scores. They have been good goals. But we need to improve.” The Paris boss kept coming back to two words: concentration and efficiency.
Top-eight target
Luis Enrique has set the bar for the league phase. “I want to be in the top eight. I want to avoid the play-offs.” He also pointed to how tight the competition has become. “How many teams can win it? Eight? Six? Five?”
The coach is happy to own the pressure he puts on the squad. “I put pressure on the players all the time. From day one, I try to get the same message across: the past is the past. We have to tear up the old rulebook. We have to step out of our comfort zone.”
On paper, Slovan Bratislava could not be coming at a better time. But the Slovak side arrive in fine form under Yaya Toure. The message from Paris is clear: this is no free hit.
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