In Tuesday’s late match on Matchday 29 of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) take on Nantes (14th) at Stade de la Beaujoire (kick-off 8:45pm, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “I hope the person can be punished.”
A referee at Saint-Etienne/Lyon was targeted by a projectile, what’s your take on it ?
I found out this morning. I’m really sorry, I regret and condemn this kind of action. I condemn the undesirable person who did it. But that doesn’t represent all fans. The majority of people don’t come for that, but for the soccer. I hope this person can be punished.
Will Pacho be available tomorrow ?
He’s doing very well, he’ll be ready tomorrow.
Luis Enrique “the players are responding in the best way and putting in great performances.”
A challenge to concern everyone ?
Without a doubt. That’s the challenge for these days, for all the coaches over a large part of the championship. It’s hard to motivate everyone all year round. But I’m lucky, the players respond in the best possible way and put in great performances.
Arsenal are dangerous from set-pieces. Are you going to prepare for that ?
We’re going to prepare in the same way as Liverpool. They’re a team with great potential. They also have the same qualities in Ligue 1. We’re not preparing our team according to those characteristics, even though we want to perform well in that area. We always do.
Luis Enrique “We change a lot, depending on what we think is appropriate”.
Why do you tend to combine at set-pieces ?
We change often, depending on what we consider appropriate, the opponent and the opportunities. We scored. I think we’re at a very good level.
We often have the same eleven in the Champions League, but is there always competition or is it mainly rotation? Is there a place up for grabs ?
I don’t have much to say. I rotate when I think it’s necessary. It’s obvious that all the players want to play and that the coach wants to field the best possible eleven. We want to fulfil all our objectives and win all our competitions.
So you need a group of players who are connected, connected. Even if it’s difficult, because there’s always individual behavior in team sports. But I like the way my players react, and I’m not going to change that.
Luis Enrique “There are many elements to manage.”
What’s the rotation like? Why didn’t Dembélé play on Saturday?
There are many factors to take into account. It’s more elaborate than it sounds. You need to look at the moment, but also at the amount of playing time in the season and the type of match. 90 minutes against a low block can be less tiring than 60 in the Champions League. There’s also the blow received, the fever, and so on. There are a lot of elements to deal with. Things are going really well and I’m happy.
What’s your opinion on Lee’s performance below? Could he play there again?
Yes, without a doubt. He’s a player who makes a difference with the ball, not just with his passing. It wasn’t his natural place, but he’s always involved. He was strong defensively. You always have to be motivated, no matter what position you’re in.
That’s how you help the team. I don’t want a player who feels fixed, that doesn’t help. I like us to be open. It also helps players to be ready for other situations, to get out of their comfort zone.
Luis Enrique “There are very few people who have the opportunity to play for PSG, there’s nothing easy about it.”
How do you deal with the Titis? Rather cold or not?
It depends on what each player needs. My children are older than Mayulu, Doué, Zaïre-Emery or Mbaye. I think I have more of a fatherly role, but I can vary. If they need a hug, advice or a big hug, I’m there.
Very few people have the opportunity to play for PSG, so it’s not easy. I’d like the youngsters to play more, but it’s difficult. You have to remove another player. There’s no manual for managing a player. You have to adapt. But I’m there if they make a mistake or if they succeed. By being demanding, but also supportive.
Is Kombouaré a special player in this match? Are you talking about past matches?
No, I’ve got a very bad memory, I can’t even remember my matches. There’s a lot of history here, and of course there’s a lot of respect. Tomorrow’s going to be a complicated match, but we’ve got records to beat. There’s the unbeaten record in Ligue 1 and the unbeaten away record in the 5 major leagues.
But Nantes will be highly motivated, as we remember the difficult 1-1 draw in the first leg. Nothing will be easy. We need to be competitive.
Luis Enrique “When it’s difficult, it’s difficult for everyone.”
Is ego positive or negative for a player? Is it a lever?
You can’t generalize. Everyone has one. Then you have to manage it. For players, it’s not easy being a professional. You arrive young and you’re very exposed. Social networks can be difficult to manage. Being part of a top-level soccer team means you have to deal with that.
We also see it with our team-mates. When it’s difficult, it’s difficult for everyone. You also have to deal with it when things are going well. A soccer player needs to have an ego, to feel important, in order to develop his career. But you also have to keep it under control so as not to distort it.
Luis Enrique “It’s vital to be happy to come.”
How important is the invisible work and how does it fit together?
It’s the key. For us, it’s been vital right from the start. At the end of the season, I’m told there are no injuries… Well, that’s that. But more isn’t always better. You have to manage your expenses. It’s sometimes complicated to find time for rest. But it’s vital.
We had one of the longest breaks ever at Christmas. It’s vital to be happy to come. It’s not just about the money, it’s also about the pleasure. It’s good to switch off sometimes.
Luis Enrique “you can look for flaws, as you can with any player. But I think his qualities are wonderful.”
Nuno Mendes is putting in some great attacking performances, but there have been some defensive misses. What’s your assessment?
I think it would be very unfair to pick just one player from the squad. Everyone makes mistakes. It all depends on where you focus. Nuno Mendes is a fighter plane, he’s always ready, 100%. Find a player who never makes mistakes.
I suffered against Nuno Mendes with Spain. He’s a unique player, capable of attacking and defending. But you can look for flaws, as you can with any player. But I think his qualities are marvellous.
Luis Enrique “It disappointed Ousmane, he’s one of the players with the greatest ability to handle these moments.”
Dembélé very frustrated after the Aston Villa match, will that be a strength going forward ?
I think the match against Aston Villa had various components. It was controlled at the start, but then we lost control. But then it came back. That disappointed Ousmane, who is one of the players with the greatest ability to handle such moments. He wanted to pass that on.
But in the end, it’s important for the players to know that the aim is to give 100%. But sometimes the result is different. But the team needed recognition. In the quarter-final, we deserved to qualify.
