February 24, (THEWILL) – Luis Enrique has cautioned that Paris St Germain’s substantial 13-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 could begin to work against them in the final third of the 2023/2024 season.
While PSG remain well on track to secure a third consecutive league title, Enrique is wary of the sizable advantage his side holds going into their match at home to Rennes on Sunday. He admits that a bit more pressure from domestic opponents might keep PSG sharper as they aim to progress deep into this campaign’s Champions League.
“We’re very pleased with the distance between us and second position. It’s something we have to contend with for many more weeks,” said Enrique. “Perhaps, it’s a handicap we need to manage. Our goal is to win matches and all the competitions we participate in.”
Enrique added that a closer challenger in the league standings might better prepare PSG and spur players to train harder. “In any case, you need to be a little more self-motivated,” he stated. “We’re the most reliable team in the league, but now we’ve got the final third of the season approaching and we must perform well across all fronts.”
PSG have won their last five matches across all tournaments and are on an 18-game undefeated streak dating back to a 2-1 loss to AC Milan in November 2023. “It’s always positive to have a good run of results,” Enrique commented. “But the coach always has to ensure there’s no complacency. Good momentum is welcome, but you can’t ease up.”
Rennes, PSG’s next opponents, have won 10 of their last 11 matches, barring a Europa League defeat to Milan. Rennes coach Julien Stephan said Thursday’s victory over the Italians was “probably the most prestigious win in the European history of Rennes.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
