At the Parc des Princes
The game: “I have a mixed feeling… I liked the attitude of the players and thought there were some great defensive performances, especially in the first half. Lorient is a team that plays well, but you rarely see a team that plays well only cross the halfway line three times. In the second half, the defense was also very good. Regarding the attack, from the first period, there were positions to modify, there were a lack of players in the box to make it happen. The opponent knew very well what he was doing and defended a lot. We were much better than them but we didn’t generate enough goalscoring opportunities. It is a configuration that we will have the opportunity to see often, at home but also outside. It’s the classic defense against Paris.”
What is missing in Paris, the absences of Neymar, Mbappé, Dembélé…: “What he missed was more intense work on losing the ball, different positions, more diagonal play, more balls in the intervals and we create more chances, be more efficient. But we deserved to win.”
The goalkeepers, Tenas and Navas: “The three of them (with Donnarumma) have a very good level and very different profiles, different ages too. I’ve said it before: we stay open during the transfer window, both for buying and selling. We will take advantage of what we have but I am very happy with their level and their performance.
Low Blocks: “It’s a configuration I know very well, the one I’ve encountered most often in my career, and I have 12 years of experience. I’m okay with it and I like it. I think we will easily find solutions, even if there are things to improve. I’m not worried. We have often solved this kind of problem. It’s difficult, there are few spaces.
Manuel Ugarte: “He was magnificent, wonderful with and without the ball. He recovered balls, he pressed very high, he ran around the corner of the field, he made interceptions … It’s 10/10.
Danilo Pereira in place of Marquinhos in the 11: “I make my decisions based on what I see during the week. Marquinhos had some physical issues during the week. I am a coach, my role is to make decisions. Danilo had a very good match, he was complete, very good in duels. You’re going to have to get used to it: I’m going to change positions a lot, get players in and out, change starters. To claim all the trophies, you need about twenty players, not just 11.
Mbappé in the locker room before the game: “Does that surprise you? I have already given my opinion on the subject.
Statements taken at a press conference
