Enrique to Rest Key PSG Players in Ligue 1 Clash

As they pursue a treble, manager Luis Enrique stated on Friday many important Paris St Germain players will be rested as the French champions seek to guarantee they remain fresh for their two finals approaching, including the Champions League showpiece.

PSG sealed the league title with six games left last month and will now aim for the Coupe de France final on May 24 against Stade de Reims before they pursue a maiden Champions League trophy a week later.

Time off has been granted to keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha; they will not be returning to training until Wednesday.

“We have a defined schedule based on travel over the season and playing time. You have to balance all that out to come in the greatest possible form for both finals,” Luis Enrique remarked before Saturday’s travel to Montpellier.

“Vastly most will go to the national team when the Champions League final ends. Everybody requires a customised strategy. We have managed that; nonetheless, there are last games to meet our goals.

“The players should arrive psychologically fresh… Playing against Montpellier and Auxerre (next weekend will assist us stay to our intended course). There are many players, and we are handling them separately.

After the club’s top scorer, Ousmane Dembele, only came on as a second-half substitute in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final triumph over Arsenal, Luis Enrique said he is totally healthy.

“Ousmane Dembele is just fine. He wanted to come, but he practiced today with the team.

“We regarded as sufficient recuperation time; he had staff approval not to appear. If he must, nevertheless, he is quite free to come.”

After losing to Bayern Munich in 2020, PSG will be playing in their second Champions League final; Luis Enrique stated the French team deserves to take home the title following such a protracted wait.

“PSG is the team deserving of winning following so much waiting. I know the club started the year I was born—1970. With this link proving valid, maybe we will be able to guarantee the Champions League.” he remarked.

“The problem is that one team will surely fail; but, I hope we win.”