Back to work in Irvine
Men's football•
The day after the match against Botafogo, Paris Saint-Germain were back in training on Friday 20 June at UC Irvine’s training ground, now focused on their next objective: the match against Seattle.
After returning late in the evening, having dinner and spending the night at their base camp in Newport Beach, the Rouge et Bleu resumed their daily work at the University of California late in the morning. On the agenda: gym work for the previous day’s starters, rondos, small-goal drills, finishing work and running on Crawford Field for the others. After the disappointment of the defeat against Botafogo the previous day, it’s now time for determination.
"Obviously we are frustrated with the result" explained Luis Enrique after the second match of the group stage when speaking with PSG TV. "It was a very tight game, Botafogo defended very well, like almost no team in Ligue 1 or the Champions League. It was a tough game from start to finish, and that’s normal. Playing against us is an extra source of motivation for our opponents. We need to be better. That’s been our message since the start of the week. It’s normal that these matches are difficult."
"It was a very tough game against a very good Brazilian side that played with intensity and were very physical in the duels" added Warren Zaïre-Emery. "But I don’t think the score is a true reflection of the game because we had all the ball and created a lot of chances, but we didn’t put them away. I think we are a very good team and we need to continue doing what we’re doing and make the most of our scoring chances."
Now in sight is the encounter against Seattle Sounders in the third and final group stage match. Although the clash will be decisive in terms of who qualified, the France international wants to prepare for it on the same way as any other match. "We approach every game in the same way: we always try to give everything and to do what the coach asks of us", explained the number 33. "We have one game left, it’s not over yet. We need to win our next match to qualify." The answer will be provided on Monday at the Lumen Field!