Luis Enrique: ‘Atalanta press and cause problems, but PSG had to start strong ‘

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique insists the 4-0 Champions League victory over Atalanta was not to be taken for granted, as they ‘press you and cause problems.’

It was the ideal start for the reigning Champions of Europe, who took the lead within two minutes at Parc des Princes with Marquinhos.

Marco Carnesecchi kept the scoreline down with a flurry of saves, including on the Bradley Barcola penalty, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and late on Goncalo Ramos rounded out the comfortably scoreline.

Luis Enrique still has respect for Atalanta

“I think that it is a very good start that reflects our style of football, against a very good Atalanta side with physical strength and good technique. They press you and cause problems, but we are in very good shape and deserved this victory,” Luis Enrique told Sky Sport Italia.

Although PSG won the Champions League last season, they had been on the verge of elimination in the league phase, needing to scrape into the play-offs.

“We hope to go far. Our fixture list is like an obstacle course, but it’s true that if we go back a year, we won our first game in stoppages, and this was much better. We were all aware of the importance of starting strong and it was a deserved win.”

Curiously, Luis Enrique chose to watch most of tonight’s game from the stands, as he prefers the view of the tactical shapes of the teams from up there.

Paris Saint-Germain could also have been tempted to hold something back, considering this weekend they have a huge Ligue 1 clash coming up against Roberto De Zerbi’s Olympique Marseille.

“We know what these classic fixtures are like with great rivalry, but we are ready to play our best football,” concluded Luis Enrique.