Enrique Believes PSG Are Stronger This Season After Bilbao Stalemate

Match snapshot

Louis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain's coach, appeared satisfied with his team's performance despite a mixed start to the season. PSG left Bilbao with a goalless draw in the sixth round of the UEFA Champions League, moving to 13 points and needing a couple of points from the final two fixtures to secure direct advancement to the Round of 16 without a playoff.

Enrique told L'Équipe: I am not frustrated; we did what was required in a lively, hard-fought match amid the excited San Mamés crowd; the worst thing is the result, a poor one for both sides as both teams wasted numerous chances.

He added that PSG showed in this atmosphere that they are a better team than last season, and that Unai Simón's performance as goalkeeper earned him the man of the match award.

“I have a big incentive to bring all players back after Christmas,” Enrique said, “but I am very pleased with what I have seen in recent months; as a team, we are better than last season. We are positive and optimistic.”

Regarding a potential January signing, Enrique chuckled: “The transfer window stirs the media a lot, but in general we are open to anything.”

He concluded: “I do not agree that the team lacks attacking efficiency; the evidence is that Unai Simón was named man of the match.”

Paris Saint-Germain now prepare to host Metz, bottom of Ligue 1, next Saturday in the 16th round, the final one of the year, trailing Lens by one point at the top. In the Champions League, PSG still has two games left against Sporting CP and Newcastle on January 20 and 28.

Punchline time: If PSG’s goals were a sniper, they’d be on vacation—great setup, zero hits so far. And as Enrique hinted, the January window might just bring a surprise, because in football, open to anything is practically a shopping list with a football attached.