PSG boss Luis Enrique expects tough test at Lens
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique expects his Ligue 1 pacesetters to face a tough test at Lens’ Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Monday (AEDT).
The capital club has not won at the venue since 2014, losing twice during its past three visits and drawing the other.
Lens has slipped to seventh after winning just one of its past three matches but Enrique is aware of its qualities.
The 53-year-old Spaniard said: “They have all the ingredients a top-level team could want.
“They are almost unbeatable at home, they play good football and they get good results – and they don’t give you time to think.
“Each game is a challenge. Regardless of the level of the opponent, there is always a goal to achieve.
“Of course tomorrow we are facing a team almost unbeatable at home, who play good football, press high and take up good spaces when they are on the ball.
“They put in a lot of crosses and make it dangerous for you with their attackers, who are good at getting into spaces.
“We already faced them at Parc des Princes and it was a great game. If they (the PSG players) hadn’t been inspired, Lens would have won.
“It is a really good test for us at a fantastic stadium with an amazing atmosphere, so I am very excited.
“The only thing I wouldn’t forgive my team for is that if they are not brave or daring. That has been the case in every game this season.”
The PSG boss, who saw his team win 9-0 at amateur team Revel in the Coupe de France last time out, was giving little away about his team selection.
However, he did not complain about being without Achraf Hakimi and Lee Kang-in, who are on international duty with Morocco and Korea Republic respectively in the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup.
Enrique continued: “I am the coach and I decide who plays. We never complain about player absences. If I start to do that, imagine what the situation would be for other coaches in Ligue 1.
“We have to solve all problems that come up during the season.”
The manager ominously insisted his defending champion, which is currently five points clear at the top of the table and unbeaten away from home, would get stronger as the season progressed.
He explained: “I have known for a long time that we would be better in February. Of course you want the team to be a better team but the team will be stronger in February, March, April and May.
“I’m a really optimistic person and I think the hard work by the players is paying off.”
