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Luis Enrique ahead of Atletico Madrid clash: 'My players are ready to fight tomorrow'

Julie Marchetti
Luis Enrique.
Luis Enrique.FRANCK FIFE/AFP
On Tuesday, Luis Enrique appeared before the press to discuss his side's Matchday 4 clash in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

Feelings: "It's almost the same as any other Champions League matchday. We're optimistic and confident".

Preference of opponent: "I don't have one. Tomorrow I'll be playing Diego Simeone, I've already played him. He's a very good coach. I admire him for his longevity. It's very difficult. You need energy and you need to convince your players over the years. You must be incredible. It's going to be difficult against an opponent who knows how to play very well as a team and who has some good individual players.

New Champions League format: "The Colchoneros are all internationals. They're used to it and they're going to be very competitive. They're going to be at a very good level. We're coming up to 4/8 matches. We don't know what's going to happen. Their schedule is more favourable. That's football. We're concentrating on tomorrow's game.

Two faces of PSG: "I think we have the same face. The same collective idea. The competitions are different. The Champions League is at a higher level. But if I'm referring to the aspects of the game that I control, I'm very satisfied. We're one of the best teams in defence and attack and I hope to repeat what we did against PSV and Girona. I don't think the results were deserved.

Decisive match? If a team loses tomorrow but then wins, they'll qualify within 24. So no, it's not decisive. It's important. Our schedule is tougher than theirs.

Centre-half: "I understand that you're singling out individual players, but I'm generalizing. Every player brings something to the team. I want us to improve in terms of defence and attack, and also in terms of my defensive pairs. I don't necessarily want to establish a hierarchy. It's very important not to depend on any particular player.

Time to score: "I don't know. Time will tell. We'll score. What matters to me is generating chances because you've been better. We're trying to solve that problem with the players on the pitch.

Antoine Griezmann: "He's French, but he's been in Spain for a long time. He's an incredibly good attacking player. He also plays as a second striker, on the flanks and inside. He's very versatile and a great team player. He has incredible statistics. He's a vital player for his team and we're going to have to keep a close eye on him.

The goalkeepers: "You'll find out who's playing tomorrow. The most important thing is that all three are prepared.

Atletico: "In truth, I have no doubt that despite the results they've achieved, Atletico will be at their best tomorrow. They will be competitive and more serious. They will be very difficult to beat. But, as we're playing at home, the fans will be there. We have to be competitive.

Opportunity to coach Atletico: "That's true. But I'd already made up my mind. Atletico were very lucky to find Simeone. I don't have the same energy as him. They've found the best possible coach.

The sequence of matches: "To play a Champions League match, you can't make any calculations. Everyone has to be ready. My players are ready.

Marquinhos: "The figures speak for themselves. It's incredible to have his profile, ambition and personality. He's the leader of the team and someone who makes people follow him with his attitude. We want him to stay at this level.

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