PSG
What did PSG coach Luis Enrique say about Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé's return to the first-team squad?
The former Barcelona boss has also spoken about the signing of Ousmane Demblélé, as well as Neymar’s departure to the Saudi Pro League.
Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé have changed Luis Enrique’s world. At least in the short term, as far as the France captain is concerned. The former Barcelona head coach spoke to the media ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s second Ligue 1 game of the season way to Toulouse, with the aforementioned attackers, as well as the departed Neymar, amongst the topics discussed.
Mbappé back in the PSG squad to face Toulouse
Mbappé's return to training: “He looks in perfect shape. He’s hungry and in great spirits. I’m delighted to be able to call upon a player of his calibre. We are talking about a top, world-class player and it is a joy for me to have him back”.
The PSG captaincy: “I don’t choose the captains. The players choose the captains. They vote and decide who they want to represent them. This week, they have had a meeting and have made the decision. It’s not my job to pick my captains. That would be the coach’s captain. The players have to vote who the captain is. I don’t know who the captains are. I think they voted yesterday or today. When I find out, I’ll have no problem telling you”.
What defensive work will Dembélé and Mbappé have to do?: “Well, we’re all part of a team. We have done different training sessions. One attacking, one defending. The players know that if they want to win something, they have to defend well. Obviously, we have to have some balance. You have to attack well, but also defend very well. I have no doubts that the team is ready to do it”.
Mbappé's future beyond the transfer window
On whether club bosses have said anything about Mbappé's future after 1 September: “I am delighted Mbappé is back in training, not only as a player, but also as a person”.
On how the forwards will complement each other: “That’s something we still have to find out. Great players always complement each other very well, I have no doubt about that. We still need to strengthen in attack, which is where we have recruited the least. It’s one of the best parts of a coach’s job; discovering how the players work and play best together, and seeing how they adapt to our ideas.
Dembélé's physical fitness: “Ousmane is ready to compete from minute one”.
Adjustment time: “It’s impossible to say. In some ways, we are in better shape than I expected, in others, not so much. We’re learning on a daily basis. The important thing is winning games. Time is always against you. But as time goes by, the players will be able to implement our ideas and style of play more easily”.
Neymar joins the Saudi Pro League revolution
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia: “It’s a favourable outcome for everyone. I’d like to thank Ney for the way he acted after I came to the club. He is a great, world-class player who continues to show how good he is. It’s worked out well for everyone. I wish Neymar all the best for the future”.
Preparations for Toulouse game: “Toulouse won the French Cup last season. They have a coach who knows his squad better, because he was the assistant last year, Carles Martínez, another Spaniard. I can already tell you that it doesn’t matter where the game is played, because we’re going to try to play the way we did in our first match whether we’re at home or away. We know exactly what we want to do. I’m really looking forward to the game”.
PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico leaves hospital
Rico leaves hospital after two months following a serious head injury: “The club offers its full support to Sergio Rico and his family. We wish him all the best”.