PSG boss Luis Enrique expects poor Super Cup quality due to lack of preparation

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is bracing for a subpar UEFA Super Cup clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday, citing his team's severe lack of preparation after the World Cup. The French champions, who secured the trophy for the first time last season after defeating Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout, face the Europa League winners in Salzburg.

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The internationals have only just come back, the French, Spanish and Moroccans came back on Monday, the Brazilians and Portuguese on the third, one week ago. It is a situation generated by the schedule.

PSG had a significant contingent of 15 players involved in the World Cup, which concluded just over three weeks ago. This included Fabian Ruiz, who triumphed with Spain, and five members of the French squad that reached the semi-finals. "The internationals have only just come back... It is a situation generated by the schedule," Luis Enrique told reporters on Tuesday. "In terms of a top-level game tomorrow, it will be difficult to see that. Some of our players have barely trained but the ones who have will play tomorrow."

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In terms of a top-level game tomorrow, it will be difficult to see that. Some of our players have barely trained but the ones who have will play tomorrow. In terms of preparation, this is not how it should be.

Enrique stressed that while the team is pleased to be competing for the Super Cup, the timing is challenging. "We are pleased to be here because it means we did a good job last season, but in terms of preparation it is very difficult to manage," he admitted. The manager indicated that the focus is on long-term performance rather than immediate results, especially given the compressed schedule.

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We are preparing for the season intelligently and we want to be in the best condition at the end of the season, rather than at the start of the season.

PSG is also scheduled to defend the French Super Cup against Lens on Sunday. Despite the desire to add more silverware, Enrique emphasized that the primary objective is to build towards the upcoming season. "We are preparing for the season intelligently and we want to be in the best condition at the end of the season, rather than at the start of the season," he stated. When questioned about the recent turmoil in the football world regarding FIFA's potential sale of World Cup stakes, Enrique declined to comment, stating, "I focus on my team, my players, the transfer window. I have no words about that. That is for politicians, I am not a politician."

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I focus on my team, my players, the transfer window. I have no words about that. That is for politicians, I am not a politician.