On Friday, during Matchday 19 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Auxerre (17th) at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps (kick-off at 8 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “If that’s not enough… it’s an incredible reason.”
Why be even more confident this season, after last season’s confidence during a period of poor form?
It’s very simple: we scored four more goals at the same time. If that’s not enough… it’s an incredible reason. Last year wasn’t bad. We have four fewer points than last year in the league, and we’re not top because Lens went on an incredible winning streak.
But if we analyze this season, which everyone has described as unusual, we’re in a very good place. We’re well-positioned in the league. And in the Champions League, with the worst possible draw, we’re in a qualifying position.
Luis Enrique: “We’re all in this together.”
Could Chevalier’s lack of decisiveness sow doubt among his teammates?
No. The first thing I want to do when we sign a player is tell him, “Be careful, you’re going to be criticized no matter what you do.” That was the case for Barcola, Doué, and others. Now we’ve signed Zabarnyi and Chevalier, and you can see it’s difficult to get into the rhythm.
Criticism is normal. It’s important to know that when you arrive at a team of this level, it’s typical. I’m very happy with all the new players. Of course, they can improve. But that’s the normal dynamic.
There’s no doubt about it. We’re all in this together—the club, the fans, the players, the sporting management—with our objective. It’s going to be great, because I saw in the Champions League match, and I can see that we’re in a very good place.
Has Achraf Hakimi resumed training? Can he play tomorrow?
It depends on today’s training session. I want to talk to him. It’s important to know how he’s feeling, what he’s thinking. But he’s back and he’s in normal condition. There’s a minor issue, nothing important. I’ll make my decision tomorrow after I’ve spoken.
Luis Enrique: “You’re always looking for solutions, but you never find them.”
Why might not playing in the playoffs be bad news? What needs to be adjusted during this period?
You’re always looking for solutions, but you never find them. You don’t have the information, that’s normal (laughs). We try to respect your opinion, but I can’t share it. You don’t have 50% of my information. When I see the opinions of many journalists about many coaches, I think it’s incredible. It takes courage. You don’t have the information, but you still talk. If it works, great, if not, too bad. That’s professional football.
Regarding the playoffs, it’s something I think about in terms of playing time and matches. It’s important to be at 100%, but there can also be injuries. If we consider everything, without the French Cup matches, it’s a question I ask myself. I’d prefer to go straight to the round of 16, no doubt. But, in terms of physical condition, the team’s needs, I have some doubts.
Luis Enrique: “I have no problems, no complaints as a team.”
Were you annoyed by some individuals against Sporting? Did you have to refocus players or actions?
No, I’m sorry. I was angry, annoyed, during the match. But not because of the players. I’m happy and very proud of how we prepared for the match, how we played. I have no problems, no complaints as a team. Mistakes are part of football, it’s normal. The coach is angry, concerned, I have to show my energy. But it wasn’t any different than usual.
Is it important to have a breakthrough like against City?
I don’t know, we don’t know if we’ll have it. The difference is clear. Last year, we didn’t know we could win the Champions League; we lacked confidence. Now, we know we can. The other teams also know we can win again.
Luis Enrique: “I’m tired of talking about this.”
PSG has been held to draws several times in recent weeks in big matches, why?
There are many reasons, everyone can choose. In my opinion, it’s a unique season, we’ve talked about it a lot. I’m tired of talking about it. It’s January 22nd. Since the start of the season, we’ve only played one match, the Champions League final, and that was at the beginning of the season, the players were at 50%. We have to appreciate that.
And if you look at the Champions League draw, you see that six of our opponents are in a position to finish in the top eight. The season is extraordinary, even if you speak ill of Chevalier, Zabarnyi, and the coach.
Luis Enrique: “I have the ability to analyze the match.”
Why do you consider the match against Sporting to be the best?
I have the ability to analyze the match, what we did, and against a good team. You might think it was Pot 4, but no. It’s Tottenham and Newcastle, who have 13 points. The way they dominated the match is very difficult to beat. They only had one shot in the first half, and then another from a foul just before halftime. On a professional level, it’s unbelievable. We’re all angry after the match because it’s very unfair.
Luis Enrique: “There’s criticism. I’m used to receiving it. I don’t care about it, just like I don’t care about praise.”
A problem with finishing at the moment? Is the staff getting impatient with the media?
It’s normal, I always get frustrated with you guys because when you’ve done everything right in the match and you don’t get the result… You want to make changes. But that’s how it is, you have to accept it, there’s criticism. I’m used to receiving it. I don’t care about it, just like I don’t care about praise. But, if I think about the players… In the future, it will be positive. When you suffer, you improve your character.
Luis Enrique: “It’s good news to have them back.”
Ibrahim Mbaye, how did you find him after the AFCON? Are you happy with his return?
There are difficult times with few players, but that’s normal this season. We have to accept it. Having Hakimi and Mbaye back is very positive. I’m very happy for him. He’s 17, but already has experience. The AFCON was important for his maturity; he played well and showed he has the level. It’s good news to have them back.
What kind of match can you expect against Auxerre?
These are always difficult matches. They’re struggling in the standings. Normally, it will be against a tough, relegated team. When you’re up against that, there’s no space or time to finish. You have to be clear-headed. We’re used to this kind of problem, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. We’ll have to be attentive and precise. It’s even more difficult against a low block.
