Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has revealed his plan to contain Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal ahead of their Champions League showdown, identifying possession as the key to limiting the teenager’s influence.
Enrique faces his former club with Barcelona in impressive form under Hansi Flick, having won their opening 11 matches of the campaign.
The PSG manager believes the most effective way to neutralise Yamal is to prevent Barcelona from supplying him with the ball rather than relying on a strict man-marking system.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Enrique explained his approach to dealing with the winger.
“It’s very simple: we mustn’t let him get the ball, because if he does, he’s a threat,” he told reporters. “The best way to defend against Lamine is to ensure Barca don’t have the ball.
“We must focus on what we can do. We know they have some very talented players – it’s not just Lamine. Raphinha, Pedri, [Pau] Cubarsi, Joan Garcia… there are plenty of them.”
Enrique also warned against comparing Yamal with Lionel Messi, insisting that the young forward should focus on developing his own identity as a player.
“Lamine Yamal wants to be Lamine Yamal. We cannot compare him to [Lionel] Messi or anyone else,” he stated. “He is very intelligent and has to continue to be himself.”
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The encounter also carries personal significance for Enrique, who previously played for and managed Barcelona. However, he insisted that his priority is now securing victory for PSG.
“I’m the PSG manager. At first, I found it hard to play against Barca, but I got used to it. Despite everything, I want to win tomorrow,” he declared.
“It’s a major source of motivation to face the club that has meant the most to me throughout my career. They have some top-class players; it’s a sporting club with strong values.”
Enrique also acknowledged the motivation his players have to end Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
“It’s a source of motivation for us. We’re motivated by the prospect of being the only team to beat Barca this season,” he said.
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