On Sunday, during Matchday 12 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Olympique Lyonnais (6th) at Groupama Stadium (kick-off at 8:45 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Enrique: “There are injuries, but that happens to every team.”
Do you have solutions to replace Hakimi and Nuno Mendes?
“For me, as a coach, it’s a unique but positive moment. It’s a journey you have to take. You have to accept each moment and try to be positive.”
You said you were satisfied with not having recruited many players during the last transfer window; is that still the case?
“We’re always open during the transfer windows. But today it’s not a concern. When we plan, we consider both the positive and negative aspects.” There are injuries, but that happens to every team. We are calm and open. You always have controversies, but we have faith in our players.
You say we need to focus on the positives, but aside from our Ligue 1 and Champions League positions, what are the positives?
“We’re top of the league and the Champions League. Can we aspire to more positive things? I know you want us to win every match 5-0, to already be champions, but it doesn’t work like that. We can improve, but there’s no need to worry. We’re top of the league and well-placed in the Champions League, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
Enrique: “Tomorrow will be an opportunity to show that we’re a real team.”
You explained that after the Champions League victory, many players matured. Were you able to observe this after the defeat against Bayern Munich?
“It’s difficult. I like to see the players’ response after a match like that. If I analyze how they behave after the match and during training, I’m very calm. Tomorrow will be an opportunity to show that we’re a real team.”
Do you plan to call up David Boli to replace Hakimi?
“Of course he’ll be in the squad that travels to Lyon. But we need to stay calm and collected. He completed the last week of training with us. There are several possibilities, but this is a time to give these players playing time.”
Enrique: “We made a few mistakes, a few gifts.”
How did you feel about the team after the Bayern Munich match, and what was your message?
“What I saw was a feeling of pain. That’s what happens every time you lose. Now, I’m being honest with my players and the team. I have to say there were more positive things than I expected. But the small details are important. We made a few mistakes, a few gifts, and inevitably, in those circumstances, you lose. The difference between the two teams is small; it all comes down to details.”
This Sunday evening, the referees will be equipped with cameras. What do you think about that?
“It doesn’t change anything for me. I try to focus on what’s important for us, but it’s good. Whenever we can improve our football, it’s good to do so, to try new things.”
Enrique: “I find this last month very positive.”
Tomorrow is the last match before the international break. What’s your assessment since the last break?
“My assessment is that I’m satisfied. I like having challenges. You have to be more focused, more prepared. I like it, I’m waiting, and I hope to have my full squad back. But for now, the assessment will be at the end of the season, even though I find this last month very positive.”
Warren Zaïre-Emery is coming back strong. How did you support him during this rough patch?
“It all depends on confidence. He was important for the team and for me. He’s a very different kind of player because he constantly showcases his qualities. It’s a great pleasure to have a player like him. He’s a true leader by example; he shows how a player must maintain his character even when things aren’t going well. As a coach, it’s important for me to have players at their best.” Warren was a clear example of what a professional player should be.
