Former FC Barcelona defender Lucas Digne has drawn comparisons between the current Paris Saint-Germain project and the Luis Enrique-led Barça side. The French full-back, who played under the Spanish coach at both clubs, shared his analysis in an interview with Mundo Deportivo journalist Xavier Muñoz this week.
Barcelona, meanwhile, approaches its next fixture in superb form. The team tops La Liga with 9 points from three wins in three games, having scored 12 goals and conceded just two. Their next challenge is an away trip to face 16th-placed Valencia on September 6. For that match, the squad will be without several key absentees, including Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Roony Bardghji, whose status is listed on the club's injuries page.
What differences does Digne see between the two teams?
Lucas Digne, who played for Barcelona between 2016 and 2018, made 46 official appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He played under Luis Enrique at the Camp Nou and now reunites with him at PSG. The player was clear that the styles are not identical. "No, no, no. If you look at it for ball possession, it's different from how Barça played with Luis Enrique, because he constantly adapts to football," Digne said. The Frenchman emphasized that the Asturian coach's system is different and requires time and work, but that PSG has acquired a new dimension.
How does Digne value his time at Barcelona?
His stint at Barcelona allowed him to share a dressing room with figures like Jordi Alba and contest a Copa del Rey. He arrived in 2016 when Luis Enrique was manager and also worked under Ernesto Valverde. After leaving the club, he had a spell at Aston Villa before returning to PSG, where he began his career. Digne also featured for France at the recent World Cup, a tournament where he ironically conceded a penalty to his now clubmate Lamine Yamal in the semi-final that Spain won against France. In that champion Spanish squad, eight Barcelona players had a fundamental role.
What is the current state of PSG according to Digne?
The left-back firmly believes in the potential of the Parisian project. Digne stated it is possible for PSG to win a third consecutive Champions League and highlighted the team's significant growth. The player mentioned the current coach is imprinting his own style on the squad. This confidence is based on the evolution he has observed from within the team.
How is Digne approaching the new season?
After a long season with over 60 matches, which included the World Cup, Digne prioritized family rest. "No, I spent time with my children and my family, something I couldn't do during the season, as it was a long season with more than 60 matches. So no, I simply enjoyed the time with my family and made the most of it," he explained. Now, with a fresh mind, he focuses on PSG's objectives across all competitions.
While Digne begins this new chapter in Paris, Barcelona prepares to maintain its positive streak in domestic competition. Fans can follow the team's progress and check the standings table to see how the title race unfolds. The next match against Valencia will be a test for a team looking to keep taking three points at a time.
