Paris Saint-Germain is wary for Brest's collective team power prior to their Champions League play-off second leg conflicts in the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Those were the words of PSG head coach Luis Enrique, even though he led his side to a comfortable 3-0 victory in the first stage of the All Ligue 1-Confirmation last week.
Vitinha's punishment and in-form usmane dembele scored a brace to give the parisens control over the draw after a bad show in the first phase of the competition.
PSG's victory in the first stage against Brest was the 19th time that they won the first stage of a European knockout draw from home. They are also advanced from 17 of the previous 18s and only failed against Manchester United in the Champions League 2018-19.
Indeed, they are unbeaten in their last 31 meetings with Brest in all competitions (W23 D8), their longest undefeated run against an opponent in their history.
PSG also won this period three times against Brest, last winning four games against an opponent in a single campaign in 2017-18 (Four vs Monaco).
But Luis Enrique was not dragged because his side, that top of Ligue 1 is at 10 points, pursues a long-awaited First Champions League title.
“Without a doubt it was a difficult game despite the very good result. It is our job to consider this competition as an obligation to win from the start,” said Luis Enrique reporters.
“I think the atmosphere will be one of total support. We just have to think about attacking and defending in a complete way.
“The power of Brest is their team and not necessarily their individuals, even if there are players such as (pierre) read-melou. (Ludovic) Ajorque clearly takes risks with his game.
“It is very difficult to play against Brest and you have to be prepared. Can Brest turn things around? Our goal is not to make that happen.”
Luis Enrique added that he was satisfied with the progress made by January, signed to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who became a member of PSG from Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia has achieved two goals involvement in its six performances for PSG in all competitions and incorporated his first goal in a 4-1 win over Monaco earlier this month.
“I am happy with him. It is clear that he needs time to adjust, there is no magical formula,” said Luis Enrique.
“I am very happy with the way he behaves and trains. He is a recruit for the long term. I am not in a hurry.”
Fabian Ruiz echoed the comments of his managers about not underestimating Brest, despite their impressive benefit in the draw.
“We know that all competitions are difficult, especially in the Champions League. All teams give everything, but Brest is going to give everything,” said Ruiz.
“We have analyzed the situation. We will have to play from the first minute with the desire to win the game.
“Brest has often made it difficult for us. We are a goal, but it is not over yet.”
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