“It’s as if our lives were at stake”: Luis Enrique calls for “calm” before the Champions League

The match: “It was a very complete match, a match that looked a bit like that of Brest in the Coupe de France (3-1 victory last Wednesday, Editor's note). This match against Lille also looks like what we expect from Real Sociedad, somewhat similar opponents. It allowed us to prepare for this other competition, the Champions League. In the two matches, we were at the level, we saw the desire of the players to help each other to be better match after match.

Important to win without Mbappé: “All coaches always try to create a team. It's a team sport even if there are players, like Kylian, who can change the dynamic of a match on their own. But it is important that we are aware of the level of the entire squad. I think it's been clear since I got here. Players, even those with less playing time, are asked to always be competitive, ready and play. I’m very proud of it.”

Ousmane Dembélé: “He’s one of the most consistent, most regular players. He is the one who has the most capacity to overwhelm, generate assists, numerical superiority, overcome opposing pressure and help us in defense. He is one of the best signings of the season and a vital player for us. But when he is not there there are other very high level players, with other characteristics. It is important to send a collective message, of team unity and that the players are able to play, to perform, whatever their position, whether they play a lot or not, like (Nordi) Mukiele, who didn't play for a long time but who was ready and was effective."

Kylian Mbappé, not used on Saturday: “Physically, he is doing very well. Obviously, we didn't want to take any risks because we didn't need to. If it had been a final, he would certainly have played, but since that wasn't the case, it didn't make sense (to field him)."

The 11 upset this Saturday and that of next Wednesday: “The starting 11, I determine it on the day of the match after seeing the training. I always emphasize that training is very important for players. When I see a player training at a very high level, I like to see him and play him. We had a very good performance against one of the best teams in the championship, a very complete team, well coached and which does not lose the ball easily, which also presses well, in short, like Real Sociedad. It was interesting to play Lille and Brest before Real Sociedad. It will be difficult but it’s a competition that attracts us and I hope we can bring joy to our supporters.”

Marquinhos: “He was a little affected during the week against Brest, so we thought it wasn't worth taking a risk. Moreover, the defense was exceptional, with Nordi Mukiele, Lucas Beraldo, Danilo Pereira (and Lucas Hernandez). We always want to progress, no matter who plays, everyone is at a high level. I don’t forget Keylor Navas.”

Marco Asensio: “Marco's natural position is rather on the right or in false 9, as could be the case in the national team. But he knows it's a big club, and if we need him in another position, we can see his defensive qualities more, and he's been very good in that area, without forgetting his shooting ability and his ability to change the face of a match. It's only good news, it's positive that the players can play in several positions.

Also read: Luis Enrique reassuring about Mbappé: “He would have played if it was a final”

The Parisian context before the Champions League and his statements on Canal: “I was talking about what I feel around the club and the city. For three weeks, we've only been talking about the Champions League... It's as if our lives were at stake! Obviously, we want to have a big atmosphere at the Parc des Princes (Wednesday against Real Sociedad) and for the fans to be at their maximum, as always, but we must approach this competition with calm. We really want to do well, but without adding pressure or anxiety. It's not like there's no future if we lose in the Champions League. It should be an exciting challenge, but it shouldn’t be pressure. Tension and excitement are bad things, so let's stay calm. We have shown that we are ready, we are on one of the biggest dynamics in Europe. So we are going to enjoy the Champions League, both on the way there and on the way back. If our opponents are stronger, we will applaud them. We can't put too much pressure on ourselves, there's no problem, there's no pressure at the moment. The pressure is on the teams that have already won it, we are just excited, more than anyone.”

(Luis Enrique said this on Canal about the C1: “The best thing is to enjoy it. I see that there is a lot of tension around the Champions League here when it must be played thinking that it's magnificent. It's been two weeks that we've only been talking about C1. Relax! The team is doing very well, we're going to enjoy (…) without pressure but with a lot of dreams.")

Keylor Navas rather than Gigio Donnarumma: “Any thoughts on Wednesday? No, we just need all our players, you never know what can happen in the future. We need all the goalkeepers, all the defenders, the midfielders and the attackers to be ready to play. Keylor Navas played very well. He perhaps expected to play the previous match (in the Coupe de France) but he played this one. Gianluigi Donnarumma is a world class player and Keylor Navas is a great goalkeeper too. We'll need them. I want them to be ready. I don't know what can happen, there are injuries, suspensions, so everyone has to be ready. So, we have to give them confidence. Keylor Navas is a world-class goalkeeper too, very experienced. He gave us peace of mind, he really helped the team tonight (Saturday).”

Comments collected at a press conference