Soccer
Paris Saint-Germain are wary of Brest’s collective team strength ahead of their Champions League play-off second leg clash at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Those were the words of PSG head coach Luis Enrique, despite leading his side to a comfortable 3-0 victory in the first leg of the all Ligue 1 tie last week.
Vitinha’s penalty and in-form Ousmane Dembele scored a brace to put the Parisiens in control of the tie after a poor showing in the first phase of the competition.
PSG’s victory in the first leg against Brest was the 19th time they have won the first leg of a European knockout tie away from home. They have also progressed from 17 of the previous 18, failing only against Manchester United in the 2018-19 Champions League.
Indeed, they are unbeaten in their last 31 meetings with Brest in all competitions (W23 D8), their longest unbeaten run against an opponent in their history.
PSG have also won against Brest three times already this term, last winning four games against an opponent in a single campaign in 2017-18 (four vs Monaco).
But Luis Enrique was not getting carried away, as his side, who are top of Ligue 1 by 10 points, chase a long-awaited first Champions League title.
“Without a doubt, it was a tricky match despite the very good result. Our job is to think of this match as an obligation to win from the outset,” Luis Enrique told reporters.
“I think the atmosphere will be one of total support. We just need to think about attacking and defending in a complete way.
“Brest’s strength is their team and not necessarily their individuals, even if there are players like (Pierre) Lees-Melou. (Ludovic) Ajorque obviously takes risks with his game.
“It’s very difficult to play against Brest and you have to be prepared. Can Brest turn things around? Our aim is not to let that happen.”
Luis Enrique added that he was pleased with the progress made by January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG from Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia has notched two goal involvements in his six appearances for PSG across all competitions, netting his first goal in a 4-1 win over Monaco earlier this month.
“I’m happy with him. It’s obvious that he needs time to adapt, there’s no magic formula,” Luis Enrique said.
“I’m very happy with the way he’s behaving and training. He’s a recruit for the long term. I’m in no hurry.”
Fabian Ruiz echoed his managers’ comments of not underestimating Brest, despite their commanding advantage in the tie.
“We know that all matches are difficult, especially in the Champions League. All the teams give their all, but Brest are going to give everything,” Ruiz said.
“We’ve analysed the situation. We’ll have to play from the first minute with the desire to win the match.
“Brest have often made it difficult for us. We’re a goal up, but it’s not over yet.”
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