Enrique: Paris is determined to defend the Champions League in the new season, which will truly be recorded in history

August 12th news Paris Saint-Germain coach Enrique explained how the team reached its peak in the final in Munich and that it may achieve greater success in the future.

Regarding France's reaction to Paris's championship?

Even today, people will still thank you when you walk on the streets of Paris. They will thank you and give you a hug. I think this is something I cherish very much as an experienced player and coach. Being able to meet people you don’t know at all, they must have a complicated life, but in the past month, a game or a year, they have felt happier because of football, able to enjoy life, and able to overcome their difficulties.

About winning the Champions League after a poor performance in the early stages of the league?

We were in a tough situation in the first three to four games, although we deserved more points. Things are starting to get tricky and our confidence is falling. The selflessness of the players on the team changed this. We faced the question of creating opportunities but failing to score goals: "Why not focus on other aspects? Why not focus on finding the best player in the penalty area?" Since then, our statistics have changed, victory comes naturally, and we naturally regain confidence. The players and teams who hadn't won before suddenly started to win easily.

Regarding the final of the 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich?

Two weeks before the game, we were already worried in the French Cup final, which was before the Champions League final. My team and I have only one idea, and that is to get into the game with a relaxed mindset so that we are not overwhelmed by the environment or the game moments because we are surrounded by enthusiastic supporters who try to give us energy. When there is too much of something, it becomes a bad thing. We already know that we will put in more than 100% of our efforts, and that's not really good. But I remember saying to the players, “We’re going to work hard to do 105%, not 120%, because this type of game will end up overwhelming you.” [These are] special games where tension can crush you, and I think players do a great job managing tension in that regard. The team's attitude towards this game was excellent.

Celebration after the final whistle?

This is a moment that is now in history: beautiful memories, beautiful pictures, many moments, and a lot of pain, which ultimately makes you cherish everything more. After you have experienced pain, you will cherish those happy moments even more. In that sense, I think it was a perfect season. You all know what our family has gone through [his nine-year-old daughter Xana died in 2019]. In life, we all know that we will be born, old, sick and die—these two things are certain, but no one can accept death. I think over time, our whole family lives in a different way, a way that makes us feel fulfilled. So, even if Xana isn't around us, she's still spiritually with us. That game was the final finishing touch, reminding me that little Xana loves running on the court and she will enjoy that moment – she did it through her siblings and parents. It was a beautiful and moving moment as all the families of players and staff were inside the stadium and we hope to experience it all again.

About Paris' next goal?

The goal of the upcoming season is to improve. As far as the champion is concerned, it will be more difficult because there are more trophys to compete for. But from a football perspective, I think as a team, we will improve both offense and defense. I believe we can still continue to improve during some stages of the game. As far as champions are concerned, we want to be ready to fight for all the trophys. Of course, we all believe we can win all the trophys and repeat this feat again this year, which will mean really going down in history, which gives us special motivation.