On Wednesday, during Matchday 8 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) will face Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “This is a key moment in the season, but it will be even more so in the future.”
Does the group need more confidence or pressure?
Nothing. I spoke about a lack of confidence after the last match. Sometimes, when you analyze a game, you can see that it wasn’t the best moment in that match. There’s nothing more to it. We’re coming into this competition that we really love. It’s great to be here. Today’s training session was of a very high standard. I’m very happy to be here to prepare for tomorrow’s match, in a competition that’s very important for the club, the fans, and the team.
You said that not being in the top 8 wouldn’t be so bad, is that still your position?
Of course, I think the same thing. The objective is clearly to qualify for the top 8, by winning the match against a very good team, with a different style. They are very strong physically, with very strong players. We know Newcastle well; we faced them two years ago. It will be very difficult. We know how tough it is before matches even start, seeing the draw. It’s a key moment in the season, but it will be even more so in the future. The objective is to win, and we are ready for this match.
Luis Enrique: “We need to see the whole team, all together.”
What did you learn from the defeat two years ago? Did you use it afterward?
It was two years ago; I don’t remember. The result, perhaps. A negative result is important to see the mistakes, but no team always wins, nor does any team always lose. It’s part of the journey that we have to accept. I think we’re coming into a very good period, with players who have recovered. That’s very important. We need to see the whole team, all together.
What did Hakimi say when you saw him? Is he 100% physically fit?
He’s done all three training sessions with the team. There’s always something special about coming back. I saw him in perfect condition, we’ll see tomorrow. But I think he’ll be able to play tomorrow.
Luis Enrique: “We’re still open, if an opportunity arises.”
What did you notice about Dro Fernandez in training? What are your expectations?
It’s the same for all players. We like to sign young players. We’re ready during the transfer window. We like quality players, but they’re difficult to find to improve the squad. I think Dro can be an important player in the future. It’s important to remain open during the transfer window. You’ve asked a lot. We’re still open, if an opportunity arises.
Luis Enrique: “It’s great to have a player of this caliber.”
Zaire-Emery, what will his role be with Hakimi back? Can he still be a starter in midfield?
You’ve asked me many times to sign a right-back, everyone, all the time. I have experience, I don’t let myself be influenced. I’ve made mistakes many times. But you’ve seen a very high-level right-back. Warren is incredible, he’s a very special person. He’s a different kind of player. It’s wonderful to have a player of his caliber. He can play full-back, midfield, anywhere. It’s very positive for him and for me.
Luis Enrique: “I have doubts, and I’m glad to have them.”
Do you sometimes have doubts about your choices?
I’m confident, but I don’t think I’m incredible. I’m afraid of many things. This is also a message for young players. Everyone has doubts, fears. No one is unique. You have to ask questions to improve. I have doubts, and I’m glad I do. Having players returning brings doubts; you have to choose. Some substitutes deserve to be starters tomorrow, that’s just how it is.
What can you say about the returning players?
I hope they’ll be there. Almost everyone is almost perfect. It’s incredible; the Champions League is the best medicine, everyone recovers. It’s normal, the competition is very motivating. It’s important to have that feeling.
Luis Enrique: “Only victory will be positive for both teams.”
What’s the point of having versatile players, besides saving money and improving player development?
In our squad, there are many players who can do that. I tell the players it’s important, even though I understand if they have a preference. When you have players with that versatility, you can change things without actually making changes. It opens up a lot of possibilities. I’m lucky to have that. That’s what I try to instill in my players.
Will set-piece management be one of the keys to the match?
There will be different phases, that’s part of it. But also, what kind of match will we see, what kind of match do we want to play? Against such a physical team, you have to control everything, especially in the final stages of the match. Only a victory will be positive for both teams. I hope it won’t be a crazy ending; we need to stay in control.
You’ve conceded 10 goals in the Champions League, does that worry you?
I’m not worried. That’s football. Everyone wants to analyze the team, but no one talks about the quality of play, about playing against some of the best teams. You never have an easy match. You have to stay calm and analyze everything. I often love the way we’ve played. We want to create opportunities, score goals, and reach the top eight. If we achieve that, it’ll be perfect.
Luis Enrique: “The real Champions League is about to begin, and we’re very strong in this area.”
Are you looking for revenge for the defeat two years ago?
No, that’s in the past. The squad has changed. If I really have to analyze it, we have the same coaches, and the last match was at home; we drew 1-1. These are different situations, and I think we’re playing much better. It will be difficult, but we’re confident. We have to defend at a very high level. We have to play normally, using our strengths and our talent.
If you could reuse the performance from one match, which would you choose?
If we win tomorrow, we’ll be in the top eight. But I’d settle for a draw or a loss, to go to the playoffs, and to win the Champions League. The real Champions League is about to begin, and we’re very strong in this area.
