Pochettino in conf: Neymar, Ramos, Kimpembe, the team and the management
Sunday, as part of the 18th day of Ligue 1 2020-2021, the Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face AS Monaco (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45 p.m., broadcast on Amazon prime). On the eve of this meeting, the Parisian coach Mauricio Pochettino answered several questions at a press conference. The opportunity to discuss the state of form of the group, the absence of Neymar (29-year-old striker), the new package of Sergio Ramos (35-year-old central defender), the management of the coming weeks, the lack of consistency of his team, the opponent and the absence of Presnel Kimpembe (26-year-old central defender), the draw for the knockout stages of the Champions League on Monday and the team lined up tomorrow.
Pochettino “We always have to perform well to achieve our goal, which is to win games. “
Are the players physically fresh despite the sequence of matches? How to avoid fatigue?
I think the team is very physical, despite the large number of games. We recovered well after the match against Brugge, we insisted a lot on this point. We are happy with the physical performance of the team, even if we want to improve it further.
What does the absence of Neymar change in our game, our offensive animation?
I believe the team with Neymar does certain things, that’s what makes him special. But we have alternatives to that. The other players can bring whatever they need in attack and defense. The whole team must be ready for such an absence, even if we can play in a little different way. We always have to perform well to achieve our goal, which is to win games.
Pochettino “we hope he can be with us to end the year. “
If I hope to see Ramos play in 2021? If I think he played too much at Saint-Etienne?
Yes, we hope he can be with us to end the year. It is the objective. And no, I don’t think he played too much. He felt good, it was a match in which we played 11 against 10 so the level of physical demand was lower. These are things that happen. It has been a long time without playing at a competitive level.
We must prepare until the 8th of the final of the LDC, perhaps with another scheme?
The competition means that you have to try to improve yourself with each match. But for the moment, on a Monaco, the Coupe de France and Lorient to end the year. We always focus on the next game. One of our goals is to win the Champions League, but it’s being done step by step. We have to complete the objectives little by little, without forgetting to win each match. So there we have to think about the next one.
Pochettino “We would like to be consistent over 90 minutes. “
No victory against the top 5 in Ligue 1?
It may be coincidence, there are different reasons. The most important thing is to be where you are. Of course, the goal is always to win. The goal is to win Ligue 1 at the end of the season.
An objective at the end of the year to have a benchmark performance over 90 minutes?
Of course, that would be ideal. All the teams want to play at a very high level during a whole match, like us in the first 45 minutes against Brugge. But no one can do it, because there is also an opponent. All competitive teams and competitions are tough. We would like to be regular over 90 minutes.
What match do I expect tomorrow against Monaco, which is irregular?
They are a very competitive team, playing in the Europa League, which takes a lot of effort. It’s a great team, I don’t think they are any less strong than last year. There is a very good coach, very good players. They are going to make it difficult for us. The circumstances will be different, but we know it will be another difficult game.
Pochettino “I think he won’t be here tomorrow. “
Can Kimpembe be present?
It depends on the exams. I think he won’t be here tomorrow. We hope it’s nothing serious and that he will come back in the next few days.
A team that we fear for the 8th finals of the LDC?
All teams have their strengths. They are very good teams. Fate will decide. We are PSG, we don’t worry about who we will face.
Pochettino “The team will be very close to the one against Brugge. “
Of the rotation tomorrow?
The team will be very close to the one against Brugge. There will be some changes, like Nuno Mendes who will not be there.
A review of the first part of the season?
In terms of results, it is very positive. We would have liked to be first in the group. In a match lost only one, Manchester City lost 2. It is a disappointment.