On Sunday, during Matchday 17 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Paris FC (14th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “During the start of the season, I’m very proud of my players, of the team.”
Last season, PSG reached its peak performance in January. Are you still waiting to take the next step?
I think every coach always wants their team to improve. If I have to analyze what we’ve done this year, during the start of the season, I’m very proud of my players, of the team, of what we’ve accomplished. I’m very optimistic. I hope to have the opportunity to play with all the players, to be in good physical condition for the second half of the season. Tomorrow is an important match. It’s a derby, it’s special.
Luis Enrique: “They’ve shown personality and character when things aren’t going well.”
How have you managed Lucas Chevalier these past few weeks?
Normally, when you try to manage players individually, there are certain moments. In this case, with Chevalier, I didn’t hold a special talk. I didn’t do anything particular because things are very clear to me. We have three top-level goalkeepers, I’m very happy, and so is the team.
We aim to have top-level players in every position. The goalkeepers are here for the team. They’ve shown personality and character when things aren’t going well. That’s a prerequisite for being at PSG.
What are your wishes for 2026?
To have good health and all the players. Then, when you have these players, these qualities, with this way of playing and training, you can enjoy it. It’s a real pleasure to have these players. We’re happy to be back together and to have a match.
Luis Enrique: “We, the sporting director and my staff, are open to further improving the squad.”
Is it confirmed that PSG will not be active in the transfer window?
It’s the same every time. We’re open to possibilities, to players who can improve the squad. But it’s very difficult to find players with the quality to strengthen the squad. We, the sporting director and my staff, are open to further improving the squad.
What does it mean to play against your neighbor?
It’s great. We’re happy, we’re going to play two matches in a short period. It’s great for the city, and I hope there will be many more in the future. These are special matches. We want to play a great match and overcome the challenges we face. I’m happy to be playing a derby in Paris
Luis Enrique: “We know the quality of Lens and the other teams. That motivates us.”
Paris isn’t the autumn champion, did you mention that, or does it not matter?
Considering the circumstances, we had a good first half of the season. But Lens was better; they won a lot of points. We want to improve, we want to keep going to win a lot of matches and points.
It will be difficult for all the teams; we’re aware of that. We know the quality of Lens and the other teams. That motivates us. We want to win a lot of matches.
Did the break do you good? How are the players?
Very good! It’s a real pleasure to see this quality, this desire to play football. I’m very happy to be here and to see the players in training.
Luis Enrique: “It’s very special because I think there’s no stadium closer than this.”
The derby is even more special given its history. Have you spoken to the players about it?
No, nothing special. We’re preparing for the match the same way, focusing on the things we consider important. It’s difficult to know what they’ll do. They’ve changed during the season. And teams often change things against us.
They have quality; it won’t be easy. Especially because it’s a derby, it’s a special occasion. It’s very special because I think there’s no stadium closer than the two. It’s great to play in it.
PSG will be going to Kuwait for the Trophée des Champions. De Zerbi would have preferred it to be in France. What’s your opinion?
None. I’m very happy to play for PSG everywhere.
Luis Enrique: “We’ve overcome our problems and had a very good start to the season.”
Is there a risk of being too focused on the Champions League and forgetting about Ligue 1? Especially against a surprise team?
The league has always been a very clear objective. But it’s true that if we analyze the first half of the season, we haven’t played with the “typical” PSG team. That’s why I’m very proud of my players. We overcame our problems and had a very good start to the season. But it’s not enough, because Lens, in particular, has improved its performances.
Everything is important for us, that’s very clear. Last year, we had problems at the beginning of the Champions League group stage. But I wasn’t just looking at the result, also at the way we played. And I think we were sensational; we deserved more points. The standings would have been different.
Right now, we’re well placed in the Champions League. But we still need at least three points to secure a top-eight finish. The league is important. We need to be efficient and win points to remain champions. We’re open to whatever we play; we need all the players.
Luis Enrique: “You talk a lot about fatigue. There’s nothing to it, it’s all in your head.”
During the break, did the players have a lighter workload than usual? Or was it the opposite? Did you take a break?
I did the same as usual, with the amount of training I can manage. But I’m not yet at 100%. For the players, it depends on each player’s minutes, on the matches. Some had a very light workload, others were advised to rest. When I see the players, they’re enjoying it. It’s not work, but a different way of life. They’re privileged.
How is Barcola? And the squad?
Barcola is perfect, the other players too. You talk a lot about fatigue. There’s nothing to it, it’s all in your head. When we win 5-0, nobody’s tired. When the result isn’t good, everyone’s tired. That’s just how it is. This is the progress of a player and a team. We’re starting the second half of the season in a very positive way. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s match to see our fans again.
Luis Enrique: “The team always comes before individuals.”
Do individual players contribute the most to the team, or is it the other way around?
We’ve said it many times before: the most important thing is to have top players working for the team, not the other way around. That’s our mentality. The team always comes before individual players. That’s how we work. I think we’re one of the teams that clearly embodies this in football.
