In a stunningly candid post-match interview, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique described his team's French Super Cup victory as nothing short of a "miracle," despite ultimately lifting the trophy against Lyon.
The Spanish tactician pulled no punches in his assessment of PSG's performance, revealing: "If we're being honest, this was more luck than judgement. We were second best for large periods and got away with it."
A Victory That Raises Questions
While most managers would bask in the glory of a trophy win, Enrique chose to highlight his team's deficiencies. "The truth is we didn't control the game as we should," he admitted. "Our defensive organization was poor, and we were fortunate Lyon didn't punish us more severely."
The former Barcelona coach's brutal honesty will surprise many in the football world, particularly after securing silverware in his first competitive match in charge.
Key Moments That Saved PSG
- Goalkeeping heroics: Gianluigi Donnarumma made several crucial saves to keep Lyon at bay
- Clinical finishing: PSG converted their limited chances despite being outplayed
- Late defensive resilience: The backline held firm under intense pressure in the closing stages
Enrique's comments suggest there will be no trophy celebrations without significant improvements. "This isn't the level we need to compete in Europe," he warned. "We have work to do in every department."
What This Means for PSG's Season
The manager's unusually frank assessment sets an intriguing tone for PSG's campaign. Rather than papering over cracks with platitudes, Enrique has immediately set high standards for his star-studded squad.
With the Ligue 1 season about to commence, this victory - however fortuitous - provides a platform. But as Enrique made clear, PSG's performances must improve dramatically if they're to challenge for major honours this term.
