Luis Enrique, Imanol Alguacil and Takefusa Kubo explain the keys before the second leg Real Sociedad-PSG
Luis Enrique warned his Paris Saint Germain side that if they did not approach their second stage against Real society in the right way, they run the risk of being eliminated from the Champions League – should know a thing or two about comeback against PSG. The Parisians take a 2-0 lead into the second leg, La Real at their best has been a match for anyone this season.
The Asturian coach was asked how to make PSG more effective in the second leg of the Champions League knockout rounds, which is what they have struggled with the most in the last decade.
“(Laughs) The second leg of the Champions League is all difficult. Even with more favorable results than we have. It's a good result, there's no doubt, but it can be misleading if you don't go out with the right attitude, if don't go out prepared for the complications and understand that they can score a goal. If you are confused you will sink into poverty. We will try to prevent that from happening to us.”
Meanwhile, the coach of Real Sociedad, Imanol Alguacil, asked his players to keep their attention from the set pieces, where they conceded the opening in the Parc des Princes, and something that has been their downfall often in recent times.
“There are many goals that we have conceded from the set pieces when we have been very reliable in this in these last two seasons. You can form things, after having shown on the table or video what the rival will do also with signs , but then if the player gets distracted and doesn't do what he has to do, it's the player's responsibility. There are things to improve and work on, it's clear that we concede a lot now when we were defensively solid before.”
Alguacil was also asked what his team needed to do to advance to the next round, despite their disadvantage.
“I ask the team for personality, as we had in Paris. If we score first, we can dream and unite with our people to go for the second. Even if we score first, it will not be decisive. It does not matter not if we score in the first 10 minutes or in the 70th minute. It is important not to concede goals, to be alive and when that goal arrives to gain strength to go for the second. I have no doubt that if the team behaves like the first hour of the first stage, is able to score the first goal and put in the tie, and to turn this with our people.
“I'm not just saying because I think so, but because we did it here. We played one on one with all the PSG players and we were able to go forward. To win we have to play like the first hour. If the let's do it, it will be easier. Move forward. That will bring us closer to forgetting where we come from. It's a special game, different, it's clear.”
Meanwhile, star player Takefusa Kubo fired his side back into the group stage as they dominated a Benfica side 3-1 at the Reale Arena.
“We need La Real of the day against Benfica to compete against one of the best teams in Europe. There are a lot of people here, it's clear that it's not just any match. I hope it's a good match” .
“(The key is) getting it right in the last quarter of the pitch, that's the difference between when Real do well or when something is missing,” he said. MD.
The Japanese winger also said he had no excuse but to perform against PSG on Tuesday night, feeling that if he is at his best, he can compete with anyone.
“Most of us, especially those here, would have dreamed of defending the jersey of Real against one of the greats in Europe, and at home. We hope that this is not the last of the season, with this , you know everything you need.”
“I have the back of not playing in Sevilla, I have no excuses. You could say that I am tired if I get to play but no. I had a clean week, I will give my best version tomorrow.”
