Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

PSG maintained 'high standard' in win over Rennes - Unai Emery

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery revealed his delight at his team's performance in the 4-0 thrashing of Stade Rennais in the Coupe de France round of 32 on Wednesday.

Julian Draxler scored twice, while Lucas Moura and Hatem Ben Arfa also got their names on the scoresheet in an impressive away win.

"We are learning our lessons from the first half of the season," Emery told Eurosport 2 shortly after the final whistle at Roazhon Park. "At certain moments, we had injuries to deal with and that influenced the team's performances."

The Spaniard was very happy that despite so many missing or rotated players, those selected were still able to produce such a comprehensive victory.

"We spoke about increasing the competition for certain positions," said Emery. "Tonight, Marco [Verratti], Angel [Di Maria] and Thomas [Meunier] were injured, and players like Thiago [Silva] and Edinson [Cavani] did not play.

"We will be playing every three days. We need all our players. With that many matches to play, there is the possibility of injury and fatigue.

"The team changes but we are still turning in good performances. It is important in order to maintain our high standards. Hatem scored, Alphonse [Areola] kept a clean sheet, Javier [Pastore] made an excellent return to action, as did Presnel [Kimpembe] and Christopher [Nkunku] -- they are ready."

Draxler was the two-goal hero for PSG and the Germany international was happy with the display put in by the team, notably in the second half.

"We did not play our best football in the first half but our first goal made things easier for us," Draxler said to Eurosport 2. "At 3-0 we had a lot of space and that is what we like. That made the match easier for us but it was not easy in the beginning.

"It is my first season here and I want to win titles. The Coupe de France is one of them."

Ben Arfa also scored, grabbing himself an assist as well. The Frenchman feels that Emery's squad are finally pulling in the same direction and understand the importance of winning another Coupe de France title.

"We are all on the same page concerning this competition," the Frenchman told Eurosport 2. "In his prematch talk, the coach emphasised that it is the 100th edition of the competition this year.

"We would also love to claim the club's 11th Coupe de France trophy and become the competition's most successful club."

Javier Pastore also made his return from long-term injury and the Argentina international was overjoyed to be back on the pitch.

"Personally, I feel fine," Pastore told Eurosport 2. "I am lacking a bit of rhythm but still it is great to get back on the pitch and to play again. I really missed it!"

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