Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique was quizzed on how to stop Lamine Yamal ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Yamal heads into the match in stunning form and after scoring a brilliant goal during Barcelona’s win over Real Betis at the weekend.
Lucho says the best way to defend against Yamal is to make sure he doesn’t get on the ball.
“It’s very simple. The best way to defend against Lamine Yamal is to have the ball. That’s our ideal, but it won’t be like that because we know
how difficult it is to play against Barça,” he told a news conference.
“We must concentrate on what we can do. We know they have many high-quality players; Lamine isn’t the only one. Raphinha, Pedri, Cubarsí, Joan Garcia… there are many. We will stay focused and alert. We must overcome this as a team.
“We know Barcelona, I love watching their games, I adore their style of play. It will be difficult because of their quality players; small details can make the difference. There are very good individual players on both teams, but the victory has to be a collective one. They have a great sense of belonging. I know it will be a great match. “
Luis Enrique also says that both he and his team are relishing the thought of becoming the first team to beat Hansi Flick’s side in 2026-27.
“It’s a motivation for us,” he added. “We’re motivated to be the only team to beat Barça this season.
“I’m very connected to Barça, but I’m the coach of PSG. At first, I found it difficult to play against Barça, but I got used to it. They have very high-quality players, a sporting team with strong values. Nevertheless, I want to win tomorrow; it’s a major motivation to face the club that has meant the most to me in my career.
“Hansi Flick has improved the results and instilled a style of play similar to the one he had at Bayern. We’ll have to attack if we want to win. We’re motivated to take the ball away from them. It’s a big challenge for us. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
While Barca have been perfect this season, PSG have won both Champions League games but have won only four of seven Ligue 1 outings so far this season.
