On Saturday, during Matchday 11 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Nice (8th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 5 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “We’re in first place, we mustn’t forget that, but of course we can improve our performance.”
Is losing to Nice at the Parc des Princes a motivation?
Of course, it’s not normal for us to have this kind of result at home. But, at the same time, it will be very difficult because they’re in a positive period. They’ve changed their momentum. No team has their record at the Parc.
Why is it difficult to maintain consistency and determination in Ligue 1?
That’s life, that’s football. There’s no need to worry. We have plenty of matches to improve. And if you compare it to the Champions League, it’s very different and rewarding. We want to win every match, that’s our mentality. In Ligue 1, the most consistent team throughout the season will win. We’re top of the table, we mustn’t forget that, but of course we can improve our performance.
Luis Enrique: “We’re getting players back and that’s very positive.”
Doué’s injury means you’ll be more cautious tomorrow? Could Dembélé be sidelined?
There’s no problem with Ousmane. Doué’s injury… we’re concerned about fitness every day. But that’s part of professional football, we have to accept it. There’s nothing special about it. We’re trying to get all the players back, only Désiré is available today. It’s a shame, but I think we’re getting players back, and that’s very positive.
Do you sense any anxiety among your players?
No. What I think is that all the players accept this as a normal part of the game. If you’re constantly thinking about not getting injured, you can’t be a professional player in any sport.
Luis Enrique: “I’m open to resting.”
Why was Hakimi rested? Could other players be rested as well?
Of course, I’m very open. I’m looking to improve each player’s individual performance, and I’m open to resting players if needed. It’s not a problem. We have a different mentality; the players can talk to me. Sometimes we offer rest. It depends on each situation.
It happened last season too, and two years ago as well. It caused a controversy, as usual, even though there was nothing to it. I give my players what they need. I like it when players come with a smile and the desire to play.
What’s your opinion on Franck Haise, who has often taken points against PSG?
It’s difficult to play against him. I hope to motivate my players, that they understand the difficulty of the match, and that we’ll go for the three points. That would be the best way to reach the Champions League.
Luis Enrique: “Being afraid is interesting if you seek to confront it.”
What is your relationship with fear? Do you use it with the players?
It’s a unique situation. Being afraid is interesting if you seek to confront it. It’s courage. But in football, fear is a negative word. We try to eliminate it. Respect, yes. But in life, everyone can experience fear. You have to confront it. Transform it into something positive.
Sofiane Diop is in good form; should he be isolated? What is your assessment of his profile?
I never talk about a player who isn’t at PSG. Nice didn’t start very well, but their recent results are positive. There are challenges in European competition. We have to prepare as best we can; there will be difficulties, a close match. That’s been the case the last two years. To achieve something significant at the Parc des Princes, it doesn’t depend on one player, but on the whole team. Nice is a good team.
Luis Enrique: “There are times when you don’t get what you deserve.”
How do you anticipate what might happen when managing the squad?
It depends on many things. We try to plan, to think about it. But there are many different circumstances. There is a plan, but you have to change it all the time. It depends on the matches, on each player, on their age. It’s not easy, but it’s the coach’s job. Everywhere in football, even at the amateur level.
Is the defensive organization struggling more? Have you changed anything?
To be honest, I’m happier this season than last year. But in football, there are times when you don’t get what you deserve. I think we’ve improved our defense, but we’ve conceded more goals than we deserve. I think we’ll see those numbers drop during the season. We’ll see.
