PARIS: Paris St Germain manager Luis Enrique said he was lucky to have a great team in charge after they earned a 3-1 comeback win over Brest on Saturday for their fourth Ligue 1 win in as many games this season.

Ousmane Dembele’s brace and Fabian Ruiz’s sublime strike helped PSG remain top of the table on 12 points, two clear of Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco.

The Spanish coach was full of praise for his France forward Dembele, but said any of his players could have scored several times as he leads a quality side.

“I didn’t realise he scored two goals, it was a difficult match against a tough team, the least important thing is that he scored two goals, we had many chances for several players to score,” Enrique told reporters.

“I’ve been a Dembele admirer for many years, he’s a different player, he comes out on the left and on the right, he has a change of pace, he’s intelligent.

“When you are lucky enough to have players of the quality I have, it’s a pleasure and a privilege.”

Enrique added he was grateful for the depth and versatility of his squad as he was able to rest several key players ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League opener against Girona.

“Versatility is what makes this squad, of course you miss some players but I have seen the same ability to play, we are a young team full of desire and hunger, it’s a wonderful feeling,” said the former Barcelona and Spain coach. “We were able to rest several players, but (Lucas) Beraldo, (Milan) Skriniar were sensational, Fabian is in great shape as last season and at the Euros, Kang-in Lee was superb, Joao Neves great in attack and defence.”

Meanwhile, Brest, who finished third last season, have lost three of four games so far before meeting Sturm Graz on their European debut.

In the Mediterranean derby, Marseille continued their impressive form under new coach Roberto De Zerbi by beating Nice 2-0, despite finishing the match with 10 men. Marseille’s Neal Mapay scored on his home debut before a brilliant strike by Luis Henrique sealed the victory.

Marseille had Canadian defender Derek Cornelius sent off late on, but held on for the win which moved them to 10 points from four matches.

“We have had an almost perfect start. I wasn’t too pleased with how we played today, but football is not just about quality. It is also about character, and blood, and in that sense we were excellent,” said De Zerbi.

In the night’s other fixture, Monaco kick off their Champions League bid at home to Barcelona next Thursday and warmed up for that with 3-0 victory away at newly-promoted Auxerre.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2024