Luis Enrique hails PSG mentality in 7-0 humbling of Brest

PARIS – Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique hailed his team’s outstanding performance as they crushed fellow Ligue 1 side Brest 7-0 on Feb 19 to advance to the Champions League last 16.

PSG made light work of Champions League newcomers Brest, winning 10-0 on aggregate.

The French champions also became the first team to have seven different scorers in a single game in Europe’s elite club competition. The goals at the Parc des Princes were scored by Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Desire Doue, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Ramos and Senny Mayulu.

“Having seven different goalscorers is a reflection of our team and the mentality of the players,” Enrique said.

“Today almost all of them scored because when they reached the final metres and there was a better-placed player, they passed the ball. If they had been selfish, we would have scored fewer goals.

“I love it, it’s the best way to go into the next round. I congratulate all my players for their mentality.”

Enrique also praised Brest, calling them one of the best teams in France, while highlighting PSG’s attitude as they never got carried away with the 3-0 lead they had going into the second leg at home.

“It has always been difficult to play against them. They had a great Champions League campaign,” he added.

“We were very good from the start, and matches that are so favourable from the beginning can be a trap. But we didn’t relax. We played at all times respecting one of the best teams in France.”

PSG are set for a bigger challenge in the next round, where they will face English Premier League leaders Liverpool or La Liga giants Barcelona.

Enrique believes his team are ready for any test after missing out on automatic qualification for the last 16.

“This was unfair for us. We should have been among the first places,” the Spaniard said.

“We have taken the long road, and that has made us better and prepared us for what is to come. I don’t think there are any rivals more difficult than the ones we have already faced.”

Borussia Dortmund also cruised into the last 16 after a goal-less draw with Sporting Lisbon sealed a 3-0 aggregate win.

Serhou Guirassy missed a second-half penalty, but it mattered for nothing in the end as last season’s finalists were rarely troubled by the Portuguese side and coasted through. The German outfit’s reward is a last-16 game against Premier League side Aston Villa or Ligue 1’s Lille.

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven had to battle to make it into the next round, as a pulsating 3-1 extra-time victory over Juventus gave them a 4-3 aggregate score.

Centre-back Ryan Flamingo seized on some poor Juventus defending to poke the ball home in the first period of extra time, sending PSV through to face either English side Arsenal or Italy’s 2023 Champions League runners-up Inter Milan.

“Everyone gave it their all today,” said PSV captain and talismanic striker Luuk de Jong.

“We had our backs up against the wall, but we kept pushing and we deserved to make it 3-1. So that was great, just fantastic.” REUTERS, AFP