Luis Enrique has recalled the pain of PSG’s ‘ugly’ defeat against Newcastle United – which left his family squirming on the sofa.
A Spanish mini-series, No tenéis ni — idea, has documented Enrique’s first campaign in charge of PSG which, of course, included a trip to St James’ Park in the Champions League group stages. Speaking ahead of the game, Enrique did not see the Newcastle clash as a ‘difficult challenge’ but, rather, a ‘great opportunity’. The Spaniard even pictured what it would be like to triumph on Tyneside and how PSG could ‘live a dream’ and go on to win the group of death.
It ended up turning into a nightmare for Enrique, though. Among those tuning in from Enrique’s home in Barcelona was wife Elena and the PSG boss’ kids, Pacho and Sira, who could only cover their faces as Newcastle ran riot during a 4-1 rout. At one point, Pacho remarked: “My God. 2-0? It’s not possible.” By the time the fourth goal went in, Elena sighed: “My dear Luis.”
The documentary goes on to cut to Enrique watching the game back alone at the club’s training ground in the early hours of the morning.
“As a coach, the aftermath of a defeat is very hard,” the PSG boss said. “You even get to the point where you say to yourself, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’ You tell yourself that you weren’t up to the task, that you didn’t do enough, that you didn’t help the team. It’s very ugly what you feel, very unpleasant.”
These are the nights Newcastle are desperate to relive, of course. The Magpies are currently in third place in the race for a Champions League place as Eddie Howe’s side look to return to Europe’s top table.
