“But I Think We Didn’t Deserve That Result…” Luis Enrique On PSG’s Heavy Loss To Newscastle

Newscastle stresslesly won 4-1 against the PSG on Wednesday,  owing majorly to weak tactical planning. PSG boss Luis Enrique stuck with 4-2-4 formation that included Ousmane Dembele, Randal Kolo Muani, Goncalo Ramos, and Kylian Mbappe at the fore. And they paid the price for their desire when they were left vulnerable at the back, with Newcastle having a wonderful day against the Ligue 1 champions. Within 50 minutes, they were three goals ahead, with the visitors being sliced open with ease at different points.

The defeat was also the Paris-based side first biggest loss since a 6-1 ramondata against Barcelona in 2017. The first goal scored by Newcastle against Paris Saint-Germain ought to have served as a red flag for Luis Enrique. It was a microcosm of his tactical weakness, as his team was not only outpaced but also out-thought in a crushing 4-1 loss.

When the teamsheets were released, it was difficult to understand what the manager was trying for. Playing 4-2-4 with four aggressive players who want to play high up the pitch against a 4-3-3 loyalist in Newcastle’s Eddie Howe made little sense.

Newscastle dominated the night, pressing in packs and being clinical in specific areas. And it was a result that suggested to Luis Enrique that he might reconsider his methods when these two sides meet again — if not sooner. However, Luis Enrique defends PSG’s stunning 4-1 Champions League defeat at Newcastle.  He said in an interview after their loss to Newscastle:

“I thought it was for the best, and I still do. Those are difficult games to live through for a manager. I sincerely think the result is a bit unfair, but not totally. Congratulations to Newcastle, they played very good football. They were effective in the last part of the pitch and we made some mistakes, it is hard to accept that. If you make mistakes you pay for that.

“Their press worked. We tried to put in front of their goal as many chances as possible but we weren’t so effective in the last part of the pitch. But the scoreline is excessive. The result is so big for them. But I think we didn’t deserve that result.”

Lucas Hernandez appeared to suggest afterwards that the wrong approach had been taken He said it was the manager’s choice to field four forwards did not work. Both PSG and Newcastle remain in the hunt for places in the last-16, with Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan the other sides in Group F