PSG-Auxerre (3-1): "The team takes priority over individual objectives," declares Luis Enrique

A victory to conclude the league season. Paris Saint-Germain won their final Ligue 1 match against Auxerre (3-1) on Saturday, May 17, and celebrated their 13th national title in front of their home crowd at the Parc des Princes. Parisian coach Luis Enrique attended a press conference after celebrating the trophy with his players and supporters.

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You said you wanted to celebrate this title. Did you fully enjoy this moment?

LUIS ENRIQUE. We know from experience that these kinds of matches are complicated. Auxerre came to play a very good match, and we lacked a bit of rhythm in the first half, which is normal. We were better in the second half. We were able to win; it wasn't that important, but it was the best way to reach the two finals and enjoy the last match of the season at the Parc des Princes. It's a great time to thank our fans for their support throughout the season.

Have you thought about the May 31 final and individual rewards in your game time management?

No. I think that in the end, Bradley Barcola didn't get the trophy for best passer. For Ousmane, it was yes for the top scorer but it was just. I think that the greatness of this team is based on the fact that the team takes priority over individual objectives. When players think more about the team than themselves, that's when we create the collective, a real team. Bradley and Ousmane were in this situation ( that of being able to claim an individual distinction ) but they were very generous and thought of the team first. I thought about the minutes of playing time, and not only for those who started but also for those who came on during the match. I have no doubt: we will arrive in very good condition for the two finals.

Is this PSG team fully launched for the last two matches of the year?

There were almost ten days of rest, or at least ten days without competition. It's not easy to find the balance, but we'll have full weeks to train, with a higher physical level because there's only one match per week.

There was a great sense of harmony at the end of the match. Do you want to maintain this team spirit until May 31st?

It's true that it's something that comes very naturally. To be able to be present in all competitions until the last possible matches, you have to be a real team. You need a sense of belonging to a group, to a team, and the ability to handle the bad moments because there are always some in a season. It's a very special moment. It's the end of the season, and we still have the possibility of winning all the titles. It's a dream, and we have it within reach.

Is your starting eleven for the final against Inter Milan set?

There's nothing certain in my starting eleven. I'm thinking of players like Mayulu, for example. I've seen him play at a very high level. Training can be useful to earn a place on the pitch.

Kvaratskhelia scored twice tonight. What are your thoughts on his season?

Kvara is a player we've already liked a lot since last season. It wasn't possible, it wasn't possible last summer either, but it was possible in the winter transfer window. He had the intelligence to adapt to everything we ask in attack and defense. Our strikers are among those who win the most defensive duels. Finishing with a victory is very pleasant, a defeat wouldn't have been serious, but now the goal is to be champions in all the competitions we're still involved in.