Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique admitted his side ‘are paying special attention’ to Milan but will ‘play our game’ in their Champions League clash.
The Parisian giants cruised to a 3-0 victory in their first meeting with the Rossoneri last month, putting them top of Group F after three matches. In stark contrast, Milan sit bottom after managing just two draws in their opening three games.
Milan have been unable to shake their poor form after the international break, suffering a 1-0 loss to Udinese on the weekend, lowering their confidence a little ahead of a vital European evening.
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, Luis Enrique first discussed his emotions ahead of PSG’s trip to Milan.
“I’m always optimistic, like all coaches. I am for the game against a very difficult opponent, in a historic and attractive stadium. We have a goal, and we want to bring home the result.”
He was not interested in reflecting on his side’s 3-0 win in the previous meeting.
“We don’t have to think about the first leg, tomorrow will be a different game. Our idea is very clear, we won’t change it whether we play home or away.
“We want to keep the ball, more than Milan, we are not going to speculate on the result. Milan are strong and have a very powerful history.”
The Spanish coach touched on the qualities of teenage talent Warren Zaire-Emery.
“Zaire-Emery is a diamond, but more important than his qualities is that he’s intelligent in playing with his teammates and positioning himself according to them.
“I didn’t teach him anything about that, he already knew everything. And then he is very humble, he has a family of great values.”
Luis Enrique was asked if he was concerned about the reception Gianluigi Donnarumma will receive at San Siro.
“It’s normal in football. Donnarumma has already played here with Italy. It’s part of football, these kinds of incidents. He has to stay focused, other players have experienced the same thing.”
He touched on the qualities of the Rossoneri.
“We’re paying special attention to our opponent and their most decisive players, but our goal is to play our game so it’s the opponent who has to adapt to us. We have to recover the ball immediately.”
Finally, Luis Enrique commented on the emotional aspect of Donnarumma’s return to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“Contested loves are the most desired. This happens to footballers when they change teams, it’s nothing special. A unique experience for him, we will do our job in the best way.
“There will be a beautiful choreography, we will try to take advantage of this environment to set a great game of football for the people who will come.”