Luis Enrique hits back at criticism of PSG and Ligue 1

“The typical noise around PSG”: Luis Enrique brushed aside claims that Ligue 1’s level gives Paris an advantage in the Champions League. The coach spoke before PSG’s home game against Strasbourg, scheduled for Saturday at 17:15 in the 7th round of Ligue 1.

The debate follows PSG’s 2-4 win at Manchester City last Wednesday in the Champions League. Enzo Maresca had criticised the option available to Luis Enrique of rotating his squad before a major fixture. The same result also meant a 2-4 home defeat for Manchester City against Paris in European competition.

Luis Enrique said he was considering every option to keep winning, although his methods appear to have displeased some. He also responded to criticism of his rotation choices in the league and the Champions League, saying the aim was to keep his best players in shape for major European fixtures.

“This is the typical noise around a team like PSG. Before I arrived here, I used to hear that Paris would never win the Champions League because Ligue 1 wasn’t good enough. Now that we’re winning, a lot of people complain. It’s become habitual and normal,” the Spaniard said.

With a squad of 23 players, Luis Enrique appears intent on making the most of his team’s resources to remain competitive across the competitions it is involved in.