Paris Saint-Germain found their edge again when the night was beginning to tighten. After Le Mans had drawn level at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique’s changes gave PSG the control and cutting power needed to close out a 3-1 Ligue 1 victory.
A difficult return from the international break
PSG had taken the lead in the 19th minute, but Luis Enrique felt his side lost some assurance after making several mistakes. Le Mans, coached by Patrick Videira, stayed brave and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 54th minute.
The PSG coach praised the visitors’ approach and said the fixture had been far from straightforward following the international window.
- Luis Enrique congratulated Videira for the way Le Mans approached the match.
- He described Le Mans as a courageous side and said PSG knew the contest would be demanding.
- PSG went ahead after 19 minutes before a series of errors affected their confidence.
- Le Mans levelled in the 54th minute, creating what Luis Enrique called the most difficult period of the evening.
“There are no easy matches after an international break,” Luis Enrique said. “We started well and scored, but a few mistakes made us less confident. Then came the toughest moment, when they scored.”
Changes turn the match back towards Paris
PSG’s regular starters made the difference after coming on, with the home side producing a dominant final half-hour. Luis Enrique said his staff had to manage individual workloads carefully after international travel and recent match commitments.
Players who had not regularly worked together started the match, while substitutions added greater familiarity and quality late on. PSG eventually recorded expected-goals figures above four, a number Luis Enrique considered evidence of the chances his side created.
- PSG produced their strongest spell over the final 30 minutes.
- The substitutes helped swing the match after Le Mans had equalised.
- Luis Enrique pointed to an xG total of more than four.
- Managing playing time was a priority because of players’ travel and international schedules.
“It is something that often happens after the international break,” he said. “We have to consider the matches played and the journeys made. You can have players on the pitch who are not used to playing together, but our expected-goals total was above four. We did our work well.”
Akliouche earns Luis Enrique’s praise
Maghnes Akliouche scored in the 68th minute, registering his first goal for PSG. The forward benefited from the late momentum, but Luis Enrique made clear that his contribution went far beyond the finish.
The coach named Akliouche among PSG’s best performers and highlighted his versatility, technical level and physical ability. Luis Enrique said he had known of the player before his arrival but had still been impressed by what he had seen.
“For me, Maghnes was the best player, or one of the best,” Luis Enrique said. “I like everything about him: his work as a number nine, as a winger, his technique and his physical qualities. He has been a very good surprise for us.”
Coach wants a full Auteuil stand
There was also a moment of tension in the stands when part of the Auteuil end emptied after the Collectif Ultras Paris were unable to display a banner supporting high-school students.
Luis Enrique said he had noticed a small movement but did not know the reason behind it. His preference, he added, was clear: a packed stadium singing through the closing stages.
“I saw something happening, but I do not know why,” he said. “Of course, I prefer them inside the stadium, with everyone singing as they did at the end. That is what we want.”
