On Sunday, during Matchday 20 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Strasbourg (7th) at the Stade de la Meinau (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: “We have to adapt.”
A goalkeeper rotation, or is Safonov the number one?
What I can say about that is that I’m happy to have three goalkeepers like I do. I like competition in every position. That’s modern football; there are always things you can change. I’m open to anything. And, as I said before, I’m very happy to have three goalkeepers of this caliber.
Have you noticed a deficit in high-intensity runs? How do you change that?
No deficit. You always want answers and solutions, but there aren’t any. There are many factors that affect a sporting situation. Knowing how to manage that isn’t easy, but it’s our job. It’s the same fluidity and freshness we have when we win. I’ve said it many times, like other coaches, this is a very unusual season. The context has been different. We have to adapt.
Luis Enrique: “We have confidence in the future with this player. But we need to stay calm.”
Can Dro Fernandez start? What will he bring to the team?
I must add that it’s difficult to find players with the quality to be in the squad. Dro has that quality. We have confidence in the future with this player. But we need to stay calm; he’s only just arrived. We have the peace of mind to see how he adapts and what his level is. It’s important to have confidence in a young player. But you have to give it at the right time. I don’t know when that will be.
Is Lens putting pressure on you for the title? Are they your main rivals?
Absolutely, the standings show it. There’s Lens, and then there’s us. Do you know how many points we have less than last year? You’re mistaken; you haven’t done your research. I’m not going to tell you. That’s why I’d like to add that we’re more or less on the same page, but what’s changed is Lens. They’re different.
The rest is business as usual, with our ability to win. I like the pressure. If they want to put it on us, I like that. We’re used to it; we have to show tomorrow that we thrive under that pressure.
Luis Enrique: “It’s important to get playing time.”
A big rotation again tomorrow, and what about the rest of the season? Or will it be more focused?
It always depends. It depends on the circumstances, the playing time, each player. Some players can’t play every three days because there’s a clear risk of injury. We’re trying to assess this with the aim of having the players in the best possible condition. We’ll have fewer matches now, even with the playoffs added. That’s not a bad thing. It’s important to get playing time. We’ll do what we think is best for the team. But every player is different.
Are you happy to have Monaco in the playoffs?
Very happy (laughs). Obviously, right? Very happy! Can I change the playoff pairing? I’m very happy.
Luis Enrique: “This has to be a motivation for the team.”
A difficult away game in Strasbourg, especially considering the first leg (3-3). Is it a trap game?
Playing away is always difficult. Strasbourg is a very young team, but with a lot of individual quality. They’ve changed coaches, but they know how to play football very well. I remember the draw at the Parc des Princes. I think this month is complicated.
We’re going to play against Strasbourg, against Monaco, against Marseille; it’s a reflection to show that we’re a very good team. For me, the best in the league. But we have to prove it. This has to be a motivation for the team.
A feeling of déjà vu with the draw? Is it better than going to Azerbaijan?
If we have to make a comparison, I think all the teams should have the same schedule. I know that’s not possible. But, to make a fair comparison, all the teams need to have the same schedule.
Luis Enrique: “I’d like to give him some rest.”
Vitinha is playing a lot this season, is that a problem for you?
Absolutely. That’s a question your colleague is asking. It depends on each player. Vitinha is very strong, but I’d like him to get some rest. The schedule, physical condition, mental state, personal situation… Vitinha is very important for us. Of course, he’ll play tomorrow. I’d like to give him some rest. But each case has to be handled individually.
Lee Kang-In has been a bit out of the spotlight, he’s back in the squad. What about his progress? Can he play tomorrow?
Lee has been important. He arrived the same year as me. I think he’s been important every season. He’s lacked a bit of consistency to be truly important. But he’s had moments where he’s shown he has the technical and physical ability. He’s just missed that little bit of consistency, like with his last injury. He started in the final against Flamengo and got injured. We have confidence in Lee Kang-In; he’s a very talented player.
Luis Enrique: “The way we approach the match is top-notch.”
Could you play long balls for important matches, putting the philosophy aside?
It happens in every match. The best thing we have is that we can attack using space, and we like to do that. When the opponent presses us, we play into space. It’s a low block, and we have the ability to do that. What we like is to control and dominate the match.
We can talk about the result, which we don’t deserve when we miss so many chances, but our ability to dominate every match is incredible. I like the way we approach every match, whether it’s at home or away. I get frustrated with the result when it doesn’t reflect what we’ve done. But the way we approach the match is top-notch.
Attacking with space is easier with our players: Ousmane, Doué, Kvara, Barcola. But the opposition often prefers to play with a low block. We’re used to it. We like to control the game, but it depends on where the opposition wants to defend.
Luis Enrique: “The line between victory and defeat is very thin.”
The opposition always feels like they can take points, whereas last year they felt like they were losing before they even played. Is that the only thing that needs changing?
Yes, but I want to offer some thoughts. I understand that you think we should win every match 3 or 4-0, like we did for a while. Except that’s not normal, it’s stratospheric. The higher the expectations, the harder it is. There’s frustration. We want to make history, and that’s not easy. I get the feeling that if things aren’t brilliant, it’s not good for you.
All our Champions League matches have been of a very high standard. The league too. The line between victory and defeat is very thin. I’m optimistic, but there are unfair things. We want to be brilliant, but it’s impossible. We can’t always win 4 or 5-0. We have a lot of chances, but it’s impossible. We want to continue making history.
