If Eddie Howe is unsure how Paris Saint-Germain are going to approach their game against Newcastle United on Wednesday, he simply needs to read Luis Enrique’s latest comments.
PSG are heading to Tyneside this week, as they prepare to face Newcastle in the Champions League.
There is a real buzz among the Toon fans, who are excited to see their side compete in the UCL at home for the first time in 20 years.
The St James’ Park atmosphere could give Newcastle a real lift against the Ligue 1 champions, but Enrique has no plans to change his approach.
He has been speaking ahead of the Champions League clash, and explained how his players will not deviate from their philosophy no matter who they are playing against.
Luis Enrique tells Newcastle how PSG will approach Champions League game
Enrique has spoke to UEFA’s official website ahead of PSG’s game against Newcastle, and has admitted that his team will look to play attractive and attacking football at St James’ Park.
“This is what we are trying to convey,” he said.
“It’s the same thing we do with our fans, telling them we’ll play matches the same way no matter if we play well or not, but that’s the idea. This is how we are going to play.
“I like to transmit this idea to my players because it is attractive to think that we will have much more of the ball and that we will create more chances than the opponent if the latter is not at his best level and that we are at our best level.
“We propose to play the match in the same way. We cannot speculate. I don’t care if we win 2-0 or 3-0. We have to continue to play the same way. If you do something well, repeat it over and over again. This leads to perfection. We seek to win by using our weapons throughout the match. We are not speculating.
“I think it’s a very attractive plan, not only for the players – our training is completely structured around this objective – but also for the supporters, so that they know that we will go to Newcastle and we will try to play our part. game, which will be the same as the one we tried to reproduce during each match at the Parc des Princes.
“It doesn’t matter whether we play at home or not. Whether the opponent is better or worse than us is another thing. It’s an open question. But that’s the general idea, and I like to convey it.”
Enrique’s plan could be good news for Newcastle
Enrique wants PSG to play the same way no matter who they face, but it is clear that they are still adapting to his methods following his appointment this summer.
PSG have started the new Ligue 1 campaign in rather underwhelming fashion. They are fourth in the league after seven games, picking up 12 points from a possible 21.
While Newcastle warmed up for the Champions League encounter with a 2-0 win over Burnley, PSG were struggling. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Clermont Foot, who are yet to win this season.
It is clear that Enrique’s methods are taking a little bit of getting used to, which could play into Newcastle’s hands.
It will be a raucous atmosphere inside St James’ Park, which will give the Toon players an extra lift – not that they should need one.
That should give them the boost to get in PSG’s faces, unsettle them and hopefully force mistakes.
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