Motivation for the Coupe de France: “Without a doubt, there is a lot of motivation, due to the competition itself but also the proximity of qualifying for the final. One more step and we are in the final. This is a very powerful motivator. This is more than enough for us to see a very good version of our team tomorrow (Wednesday).”

The management of Kylian Mbappé: “What is curious is to see everything that a lie can generate, everything that is said among some journalists… Someone has invented an insult and speculation is multiplying. After a match, I’m always tired. But now, I’m living it very peacefully, I’m very happy with all my players, including Kylian, who has always had exemplary behavior. He knows his role in the team. I am not affected by what is said, I see nothing, I read nothing. I just try to give the best of myself. (…) Not happy after his exit in Marseille? I am 53 years old, I have a lot of experience…”

Rennes, preparation for Barcelona or not: “It could be good preparation. It may resemble the second match in terms of format, with qualification at stake. It will be 90 minutes, without extra time. But we have already been ready since the start of the season to play important matches, such as in the group stage of the Champions League, against high-level opponents, or in Marseille, which we have prepared in the most serious way possible. to tackle tomorrow’s match and the next ones well.”

Preparing for penalties: “No, we didn’t prepare specifically. I have tried all the methods in my career, preparing or not for penalties, giving the most or the least information… It’s impossible to prepare for penalties. When the time comes, I will ask the players on the field who is ready. There are penalty specialists, but even the specialists fail. It’s more a question of state of mind, of confidence. I hope we qualify before then. Qualifying would be a great joy for the supporters.”

Optimism for the end of the season for PSG… and Mbappé: “Yes, I would love it to end very well for PSG, for Kylian, for everyone, we are all in the same boat, which aims to achieve the port of success. It’s a personal and professional goal.”

Luis Campos: “If someone has to ask my opinion, you can do so but my opinion is known: we have been working together for 10 months, I am happy with my personal and professional relationship, I would like to stay with Luis Campos for many years at the club or in any professional experience.”

Barça will no longer play between now and the first leg against Paris: “Which is better? It depends… Barça has 10 days off and we have matches to play. Which is better, you never know. We have three matches to play (OM, Rennes and Clermont, Editor’s note), so I would say it’s better. If I had 10 days off, I’d say this is best. But I can’t control it, I focus on what I can control.”

Barça President Laporta’s praise for him: “I always listen to what’s positive, it’s more pleasant.”

How concerns the whole group: “This is the work I do as a coach with my staff. The group is above all individualities; above that, there is the club. You have to give minutes and confidence to most of the players, not everyone can play, I’m not going to be hypocritical. But everyone is in the rotation. 20 players is always better than 11 or 12. It’s easier to manage if everyone is involved, so that absences are felt as little as possible. Example with Lucas Berlado, who will not play for two matches (suspended after his expulsion in Marseille, Editor’s note). Those who play in his place will have confidence, they will know that the coach has confidence because he has already had minutes. We are competing in all competitions and all the players are convinced that they can play.

Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes: “They are fit. Being ready to practice and ready to play are two different things. We don’t like to take risks, I don’t do it with any player even if it’s tempting to have important players like our captain to start. I’m not taking any risks, I’m thinking about the player’s health. The available minutes are also good for other players who have the opportunity to play. Nuno and Marquinhos, like Milan Skriniar who played part of the match in Marseille, are in condition to play. It’s good for their teammates but also for them, who have the maximum time to recover while taking the least risks.”

Comments collected at a press conference