Luis Enrique explains how PSG plan to stop Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona clash: ‘We must not let him get the ball’

Luis Enrique explains how PSG plan to stop Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona clash: ‘We must not let him get the ball’ Luis Enrique believes Paris Saint-Germain must take control of possession to limit Lamine Yamal’s influence when they face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, while admitting that the Catalan club remains the most significant opponent of his managerial career. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of PSG’s meeting with Hansi Flick’s side, the former Barcelona manager discussed the challenge of containing Yamal, the tactical similarities between the teams and his personal connection to the Blaugrana.  Barcelona arrive after winning their opening 11 matches, giving PSG the opportunity to become the first team to defeat them this season. Despite the significance of the fixture, Luis Enrique warned against treating it as a decisive encounter so early in the competition. “The structure of the competition means we’re facing each other at this stage, but it’s not a final. This has only just begun,” he began. Enrique identifies possession as key to containing Lamine Yamal’s individual brilliance is one of the principal threats PSG must address, but Enrique believes the solution begins with denying Barcelona the ball rather than concentrating exclusively on the teenage winger. “It’s very simple: we mustn’t let him get the ball, because if he does, he’s a threat. The best way to defend against Lamine is to ensure Barça 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, Cubarsi, Joan Garcia… there are plenty of them.” Lamine Yamal will be a threat for PSG. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) The PSG manager also rejected comparisons between Yamal and Lionel Messi, arguing that the Barcelona youngster should be allowed to establish his own identity rather than being measured against another generation-defining player. “Lamine Yamal wants to be Lamine Yamal. We cannot compare him to Messi or anyone else. He is very intelligent and has to continue to be himself.” PSG prepare for Barcelona’s pressing and unbeaten run Enrique expects a demanding contest between two teams that want to dominate possession .  He praised Barcelona’s playing style and stressed that individual quality alone would not determine the outcome. “We know Barcelona well; I love the way they play. It’ll be a tough game because of their quality players – the small details could make all the difference. “There are some outstanding individual players in both teams, but victory has to be a team effort. They have a great sense of belonging. I know it’ll be a great match.” Barcelona’s run of 11 consecutive victories gives PSG an additional incentive, although Luis Enrique framed the challenge as motivation rather than pressure.  “It’s a source of motivation for us. We’re motivated by the prospect of being the only team to beat Barça this season.” Luis Enrique has nothing but praise for Barcelona. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) He also acknowledged the connection between the clubs, having represented Barcelona as both a player and manager. “I’ve been a Barça player, a coach. I have a great relationship with Catalonia… For me, Barça is the team most similar to PSG.” Asked whether Flick’s Barcelona resembles the team Luis Enrique previously managed, the PSG coach recognised the German’s influence while pointing to the need for an assertive approach. “It’s clear that Hansi Flick has improved the results and has implemented a style similar to the one he had at Bayern. We’ll have to attack if we want to win.” Barcelona remains special to Luis Enrique The fixture carries a personal angle for Enrique, whose history with Barcelona makes the encounter different from a routine Champions League assignment.  However, his emotional attachment will not change his immediate objective: securing victory for PSG. “I’m the PSG manager. At first, I found it hard to play against Barça, but I got used to it. Despite everything, I want to win tomorrow. “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,” he concluded. Source: SPORT