Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho spoke highly of Luis Enrique on Monday, describing the coach as “very special” ahead of the Champions League match at Villarreal.
Pacho said the Spanish manager’s approach goes beyond conventional coaching. He highlighted Luis Enrique’s exceptional working methods, the precision of his words and his ability to understand players, helped by his own experience as a footballer.
The Ecuadorian also addressed his own form after a demanding summer affected by the World Cup. He said he was pleased to have returned to his optimal condition and was ready to contribute as much as possible to the team.
Pacho praised Lucas Hernandez for taking advantage of his increased opportunities this season, particularly in the match against Barcelona. He said PSG needed the French defender and hoped he would continue performing at that level.
With Marquinhos unavailable through injury, Pacho said he was encouraged by the way Illya Zabarnyi and the other defenders had responded. He described Zabarnyi as a hard-working and well-liked teammate who was always ready when needed, adding that this depth helped keep the squad united and competitive.
Pacho expects a demanding match against Villarreal. He said the Spanish side deserved more from some of their recent games, including narrow defeats against Dortmund and Liverpool, and noted their preference for keeping possession.
The PSG defender warned that his team would need to control the match and impose its rhythm while remaining wary of Villarreal’s threat. He also stressed that Champions League matches can produce surprises and that PSG must avoid excessive confidence.
Pacho said he was pleased with his 20th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting, but insisted that individual awards depend on collective success. He credited the team’s two Champions League titles and said the recognition encouraged him to keep working to help PSG.
Sources: Le Figaro.