This Friday at 8:45pm (CET) Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Toulouse (9th) at the Parc des Princes as part of the 28th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026. In a press conference, Toulouse coach Carles Martinez Novell spoke about this match and their Parisian opponent.
Martinez Novell: “If there’s respect, why not?”
The referee’s PA system? Does that change anything?
We’ll discuss it with the team; it’s important. Football is all about interaction between the players and the referee, between the coach and the referee. Usually, it’s private, but here it’s open. We know this referee; we know we can talk to him, respectfully. It’s important to show that communication is possible.
We hope the fans will learn a bit more about the sport. We know that’s normal in other sports. It’s the new generation; we’re adapting. That’s how it is; it’s evolution. I’m here to adapt and explain things to my team. If there’s respect, why not?
Martinez Novell: “We have to be competitive and give our all, and why not, get a good result?”
A special match against Paris, or just another match?
It’s an important match, as I say every year. Players in Ligue 1 are naturally looking at the date of the match against PSG. Hidalgo is suspended; it’s a big missed opportunity for him. It’s tough. The motivation is there; it’s a special match. But the preparation is the same.
It’s like last year; we play right after the break, on Friday. It’s more complicated for Paris and for me. I don’t know if Paris will rotate their squad more or less. But we all know it will be difficult, that the defense will be crucial. But we’ll have opportunities. We have to be combative and give our all, and who knows, maybe even get a good result.
Martinez Novell: “I play with the possibility of winning. Otherwise, I prefer not to play.”
Do you understand the postponements of PSG and Strasbourg’s matches against Lens and Brest?
It’s difficult. I understand both points of view. If I’m with Lens, I completely understand. If I think like PSG, it’s a different story. If you’re with the League, you can think about the future or the present. It all depends on the perspective. I understand both coaches. It’s not up to me; we have to adapt.
A Toulouse FC team that often comes close to a good result away from home—is that an important point in the discussion?
It’s the same at home and away. Against Paris, it’s a clear example. If we start well tomorrow, but then they score on the first chances, like for the 3-6. Luis Enrique congratulated me, said it was balanced, but it ended 3-6. It’s important to be on form tomorrow; in that case, anything is possible. Otherwise, it’s impossible in Paris.
Is this a bonus match against PSG? Teams have won at the Parc des Princes; does that help the players understand that it’s possible?
I understand this bonus idea. If you lose against Paris, it seems normal. The probability of winning is lower than in other matches. But, for me, every match is possible. I start every match with the idea that it’s possible. Then, I know that football is difficult. Tomorrow, it’s possible. If the match is perfect, that will be great; otherwise, it’s not possible. But my feeling since I was little is that I play with the possibility of winning. Otherwise, I’d rather not play.
Martinez Novell: “Paris is better than it was a month ago.”
Does PSG seem to be gaining momentum?
Yes, I think so. In the last three or four matches, they’ve rediscovered that Paris touch. Tomorrow might be the worst possible time to face Paris. But it will be important to do our best to even the score. In terms of aggression and fighting spirit, Paris is better than it was a month ago.
