PSG coach Luis Enrique did not mince his words in the press conference following the 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. When questioned about his tactical approach, the Spaniard defended his players' performance and stated that the team competed on equal terms, shifting the focus to the lack of finishing in front of goal.
The tactical pattern and the numbers supporting his defense 🧐
Match data partially backs his stance: PSG recorded 54% possession and 15 shots compared to Bayern's 10, although only 3 were on target. Luis Enrique highlighted the high press and ball recovery in the opponent's half as strengths. However, the lack of a defined center forward and the difficulties in converting clear chances remain a structural deficit in his system, which prioritizes ball control over offensive decisiveness.
The philosopher coach's manual: losing, but with style 😏
Luis Enrique seems to apply the old adage that the important thing is not to win, but to convince the press that you were about to. If PSG keeps losing matches with good possession, they might soon patent a new category in football: the morally superior defeat. Of course, in the Champions League standings, points are not awarded based on xG or completed passes. But hey, at least the dressing room will go home with a clear conscience.