Luis Enrique warns PSG not to take amateur Revel lightly
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has warned his side it will be punished if it takes a victory against amateur team Revel for granted.
PSG will lock horns with the sixth-tier outfit in the opening match of its Coupe de France campaign just days after seeing off Toulouse to land the Champions Trophy for a record-extending 12th time.
Footage of Revel’s coaching and playing staff went viral as they celebrated drawing PSG in the Round of 64 clash last month.
Although it is the host, Revel will be in unusual surroundings for Monday's (AEDT) fixture after being forced to upgrade to Stade Pierre-Fabre, home to nearby rugby union side Castres, for the cup clash.
“They are not a professional team, and they compete in an amateur league, but they are top of their league,” Enrique said.
“We watched two of Revel’s matches – not at the stadium where we’ll play, so there is a significant difference – but that doesn’t mean they won’t pose a threat. And if we don’t prepare for the match adequately, it could turn into a bad evening.
“We need to start the competition by respecting the opponent and playing our best game. That’s how we approach things, and that’s what I’ve conveyed to the team in recent days. We’re treating this match as if it were a league encounter.
“Winning a trophy is positive for everyone at the club. After the Trophee des Champions, we will try to win others during the second part of the season.
“For me, [Monday's AEDT] match is very important. We aim to go all the way in the Coupe de France, and for that, we must win the first match and play in the best possible condition.”
Enrique captured his maiden silverware as PSG boss after his side’s 2-0 midweek win against Toulouse at Parc des Princes.
But the result came at a cost after Milan Skriniar sustained an ankle injury, which will require an operation.
It means the Slovakia defender could miss PSG’s UEFA Champions League knockout matches against Real Sociedad next month.
“Unfortunately, after the match against Toulouse, the doctors ran tests on Milan and determined that he needed an operation,” Enrique added.
“Until this takes place and we see how it goes, we won’t know how long he will be out for. It’s a shame, like every time a player gets injured. It’s a bad piece of news.”
