Luis Enrique has complimented Tottenham Hotspur for one key aspect of their game in the 5-3 Champions League thriller on Wednesday night.
It was not to be forTottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night as PSG sealed a 5-3 victory in a rematch of the UEFA Super Cup.
Spurs took the lead twice during the game thanks to two very well taken goals scored by Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani respectively.
However, Thomas Frank’s team began to struggle in defence and ended up conceding five goals, adding to the woes of the North London derby defeat.
Luis Enrique heaps praise on Tottenham Hotspur
Despite Tottenham’s vulnerability at the back being exposed, PSG manager Luis Enrique has praised them for the way they defended in the early stages of the game.
He has also commented on his own team’s defence, insisting it was not good enough on the night, despite PSG claiming all three points.
Enrique described Tottenham’s opening goal as “incredible” before adding (Football London): “We didn’t defend very well, [but the goal was] well played really. This was the first one. Second one a set piece and the third was Vitinha’s assist.
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“There are no easy games in the Champions League. Tottenham also played a really good game. Their defensive organisation in the first half was excellent.”
The Spaniard was asked whether this was a game to judge Ligue 1 champions PSG against the standard of the Premier League.
He said: “I’m not here to judge any teams. Teams in the Premier League are at a high level but it is a competition that’s very long and we will see in March which teams will be there.”
“I know Arsenal are first in both competitions, they don’t concede many goals and are at a very high level, but we must be careful.”
Spurs repeated the same old defensive mistakes
Some of the goals Tottenham conceded against PSG were giveaways, with Cristian Romero and Pape Matar Sarr guilty of mistakes.
Others were a result of brilliance from Vitinha, but Spurs should not have allowed the talented midfielder to have so much space to be able to get his shots away. It felt just like a re-run of Tottenham’s previous meeting with PSG, as Frank’s side backed off from the attacker.
Spurs were much braver against PSG than they were at the Emirates Stadium, but there has to be a willingness to close down. Otherwise, the good defensive structure Enrique has referred to does not count for anything.