Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has hinted towards the possibility of using a fringe squad once again for Wednesday’s rescheduled Ligue 1 game with RC Lens.
The match could potentially decide the title race, with PSG needing just one point to be crowned champions for the 14th time in their history and the third time in a row under Enrique.
Since the league game against Angers in late April, Enrique has been using a second strength side owing to focus in the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard might just do that once again at Stade Bollaert-Delelis as he plans the final with Arsenal in Budapest on May 30.
“I think both teams are in similar circumstances. Lens have to play the Coupe de France final a week after the league season ends, and we have the Champions League a week after that,” he said.
“We need to manage playing time, and I think Pierre Sage will do the same as me. These are the best two teams of the season, without a doubt. We’ll be looking to show what we’re capable of, and I think it’s going to be a very interesting match.”
Enrique praises Lens
The 55-year-old went on to heap praise on Lens for being fierce title contenders throughout the season, and also congratulating them for automatically qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
“At the start of the league campaign, no one would have imagined this from Lens. Since I arrived here, this is the first time a team has really put us under pressure,” Enrique added.
“It’s been a source of motivation throughout the season, but it’s been very tough. We must emphasise that – they deserve to be in the Champions League. Congratulations to them.
“Tomorrow, we’ll be looking to play a proper top-level match against a Champions League side. But I’ll say it again, congratulations to Pierre Sage on their season and on the way his team plays. It’s incredible what he’s achieved this season with Lens.”
PSG will conclude their Ligue 1 campaign at city rivals Paris FC on Sunday, while Lens will be away at Olympique Lyon.
