Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique admitted that their nerve-racking late win over Girona in Wednesday’s Champions League clash felt more excruciating than childbirth.
PSG managed to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory after Girona’s goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, who had been a thorn in the side of the French champions, made a crucial mistake in the dying moments of the match.
“I think we were the better side, but Girona had us chasing our tails and made us dizzy. At halftime, we knew if we didn’t press harder, we would struggle. We had to win, but it was extremely tough,” Luis Enrique told Movistar Plus.
The PSG coach drew an unusual comparison to the intensity of the game, saying, “I even told [Girona’s manager] Michel that this was worse than giving birth, with all due respect.”
Under the newly introduced Champions League format, teams are pitted against eight different opponents in eight matches. The top eight in the 36-team league proceed directly to the last 16, while the next 16 compete in an additional knockout round.
Luis Enrique pointed out that this new format adds layers of uncertainty, especially when it comes to the importance of results.
“Winning any match or title is never easy, but we’re still figuring out what this new competition format means,” he said. “We’ll face teams with easier schedules, but how many points will be enough to advance? There are many unknowns.”
Despite the triumph, PSG faced a setback as forward Marco Asensio was forced to leave the pitch just before halftime due to an injury. However, Luis Enrique remains optimistic about his team’s depth.
“He felt a twinge, but Marco had started the season well. This is part of professional football, and luckily, we have a strong squad,” he added.
PSG now turns their attention to their next Ligue 1 fixture against Reims on Saturday.
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