OGC Nice’s Franck Haise: ‘If we are at 100% of our capacities, when you play PSG, it isn’t necessarily enough.’ | OneFootball

On the face of it, there is no better time to play Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking on Friday, Luis Enrique admitted an “obsession” with the UEFA Champions League with the first-leg of their semi-final against Arsenal coming up on Tuesday.

That “obsession” has seen their attention diverted away from Ligue 1, especially given that the title was wrapped up three games ago. Whilst there is still an invincible season at stake, attention is on European competition and Luis Enrique’s team selection has shown that. Ousmane Dembélé has often come off the bench in recent games, whilst Achraf Hakimi wasn’t even included in the matchday squad to face FC Nantes on Tuesday.

PSG slumped to a draw against Les Canaris (1-1) with signs of lethargy and lack of motivation evident at the Beaujoire. However, with a match against OGC Nice on Friday night, Franck Haise has dismissed notions that this is a good time to be facing the French champions.

“I’m not sure [if it’s a good time to face them]. When we watch them, it hasn’t been the right time for anyone […] we are confronted with a reality. We have to do what we do best. We also know very well that if we are at 100% of our capacities, when you play PSG, it isn’t necessarily enough,” said Haise at a press conference attended by Get French Football News.

The Nice manager went on to praise PSG, noting the aspects in which they have improved since their last meeting, which ended in a 1-1 draw. “In every way [they’ve improved]. In terms of a collective, how they set up, their exchanges, the way they play the ball out, the pressing, the counter-pressing. Everything is better than it was at the start of the season,” said Haise.

PSG face Arsenal on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium. It is unclear if Luis Enrique will rotate his side against Le Gym at the Parc des Princes on Friday night, as he has done in recent Ligue 1 outings. In any case, the Spaniard has a fully fit and healthy squad to pick from.

Les Aiglons, meanwhile, remain in a battle for the European places. They are fifth, two points away from Lille OSC, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Nice