Preview for PSG v Le Havre
PSG host Le Havre tomorrow night with coach Luis Enrique ordering his players to focus on the collective despite the raft of individual awards that are heading their way.
The French club’s maiden Champions League success last season, backed up by a domestic double, means players such as Ousmane Dembele, the Ballon d’Or winner, and newly crowned African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi have taken the spotlight at various awards ceremonies.
Luis Enrique does not want the pursuit of personal glory to get in the way of team success.
Speaking today, he said: “I’m happy to have this team, but I’m a little concerned about the noises I hear around the team and the individual prizes given to players, because football is a team sport.
“You have to be ready to work as a team, prizes don’t interest me. It’s different because there’s a lot of recognition [this season]. I don’t want to talk about the past, but about the future. Fewer prizes and more concentration, that’s what we want.”
The former Barcelona and Spain boss can’t be too disappointed with his players’ efforts this season. Despite serious injury problems – no doubt due to their hectic schedule over the past 12 months – PSG are still top of Ligue 1, holding a two-point lead over Marseille heading into the 13th round of games.
The fixture list remains busy, with eight games lined up over the next month.
Luis Enrique added: “We start the Coupe de France, play the Intercontinental Cup. We will play one more game than in the last two breaks. We will keep the same idea: improve. This is our goal.”
On paper a home game with Le Havre ought to be a formality but the Normandy club are in a good run of form.
Didier Digard’s side have lost just one their last eight Ligue 1 games, and that was 6-2 at second-placed Marseille when they had Gautier Lloris sent off after 34 minutes when they were leading 1-0.
Team News for PSG v Le Havre
Luis Enrique is still waiting on all of his international players to return from various parts of the world.
Dembele is edging closer to full fitness but it seems likely he will be held back for bigger challenges. Asked about the France forward today, Luis Enrique said: “His condition is improving, I think today he will start the session or he will do a part of it. In this case, you have to be careful. I’ll see how he feels during training. In the coming weeks we will see Ousmane Dembélé on the field.”
Desire Doue and Hakimi are definitely out.
Andy Logbo and Mbwana Samatta are both doubts for Le Havre.
Predicted line-ups for PSG v Le Havre
PSG: Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Hernandez; Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz; Mbaye, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia
Le Havre: Diaw; Nego, Sangan, Llorris, Zuauui; Seko, Toura, Act, Khadad; Master, Sumare
How to watch PSG v Le Havre: TV and online streams
PSG versus Le Havre kicks off at 8.05pm tomorrow night. It is not on UK TV but can be streamed on Amazon Prime pay-per-view and Ligue 1 plus.
Stats for PSG v Le Havre
- PSG have only dropped points against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 at the Parc des Princes this season
- PSG have won each of their last five home meetings with Le Havre
Prediction for PSG v Le Havre
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