On Saturday, during Matchday 15 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Rennes (5th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9:05 PM, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “I don’t make any distinction.”
Safonov is expected to play, how does he feel?
We have a home game tomorrow, which is good news. We’re playing against one of the best teams in the league, Rennes. We’re ready for the match. We know the league is tough. We’ll be up against a team in good form, it will be difficult, as always.
You haven’t mentioned Safonov?
I don’t want to talk about any player in particular.
Is Kvaratskhelia different in Ligue 1 and the Champions League?
I don’t make any distinction. We have to accept that, I’m very happy with his performances. He’s a top-level player, with ambition and quality. I’ve been happy since he arrived. All players have their ups and downs, there’s no problem.
Luis Enrique: “Given the circumstances, we’re having a very good season.”
Does it bother you to be second in Ligue 1?
No, it’s deserved. There’s a team that has one more point than us, it’s deserved. There’s no problem. It’s actually a motivation to have difficulties. We have four fewer points than last year. We won the championship by a large margin.
This time, we have fewer points. But given the circumstances, we’re having a very good season. The difference is that other teams are having a very good season. We’re not upset, it’s deserved. We’ll see throughout the season who the best team is. For the moment, it’s Lens.
Luis Enrique: “It’s a motivation, not apprehension.”
Beye wants to cause problems for PSG. Does that worry you or change your approach?
No. Every team wants to cause problems. We know their qualities; it will be difficult. We’re used to it. They’re a good team with and without the ball. They’ve picked up a lot of points in recent weeks. We’re aware of this challenge. It’s a motivation, not apprehension.
Are you considering rotating the squad more in the Champions League and less in Ligue 1?
No, no. Both competitions are very important. In the league, there are more matches. In the Champions League, we’re well-placed, but we want to keep winning. You have to manage that, do what’s best for the team. Right now, the priority is Ligue 1.
Luis Enrique: “That’s the life of a coach, it’s unfair.”
Can you tell us about your week? What’s the mood like in the group?
I think we’re a very consistent team mentality. I find that, right now, the league is more motivating because there’s Rennes, Lens, Marseille, Lyon, Monaco, Lille, Strasbourg… It’s motivating. When I talk to my players, they all share the same confidence in our strength and what we want to achieve.
What do you know about Beye?
It’s always strange. Five weeks ago, everyone wanted to tear him down. Now, after four wins, he’s the best. That’s the life of a coach, it’s unfair. I’m sure he worked very hard when the results weren’t there. And now, he’s still working with the same intensity. They’re having a very good season, we know how difficult it will be tomorrow.
Luis Enrique: “It’s positive for the club to have this competition.”
How does having the World Cup change the season?
Honestly, nothing. It’s positive for me as a club coach; it’s a season where everyone wants to showcase their qualities in order to play in the World Cup. You have to give your all to be a starter and show the national team coach that you’re ready. It’s the best competition you can play in, with the opportunity to represent your country. It’s positive for the club to have this competition.
Different levels of fitness within the squad; is managing this the biggest challenge for you?
This season is unusual, for the various reasons we know. After the end of last season, it’s difficult to manage. We’re in December, and there are players who haven’t played yet, or hardly at all. We have to manage this schedule and overcome the situation.
Luis Enrique: “I like to give them this time.”
What were the main areas of focus this week?
The first thing was to give the players rest, time to calm down and recover. It’s important; almost all the players are internationals and play all the time. I like to give them that time.
Then, we worked on our attack, an aspect we consider important. The rest, as always, is about improving the players’ physical condition. We had a very good week. Little by little, we’re getting players back, and I’m happy about that.
What are your thoughts on Jacquet, the Rennes defender?
I’m not talking about a player who isn’t from PSG, but I can say that we always analyze the opponent, except that they often change when we’re against them. We provide the information we consider important, but we’re ready for changes. We don’t know if they’ll change tomorrow. We’re always open to suggestions. That’s important.
How is Hakimi doing? Are you reassured by his timing?
A return is always good news. There’s no further information. This is the beginning of his recovery; we’ll wait and see. But then there’s the Africa Cup of Nations, and he’ll return to the national team.
