On Sunday, during Matchday 34 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Paris FC (11th) at the Stade Jean Bouin (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 isn’t the time to talk, it’s time to focus.”
What are you most proud of in the title your players won?
It’s special, I’ve said it many times. I’m happier with the mentality shown throughout the season. Resilience, a word I love. Lens did a very good job, that’s clear. They won a lot of consecutive matches, that made the difference for me.
Barcola had some very good runs, but it’s been more complicated since his injury. What’s your assessment?
This isn’t the time to talk about individual players. We’re a team focused on the last match, which is a useful Ligue 1 match to prepare for the Champions League final. How many finals can you play? I’ve never played in one.
This isn’t the time to talk, it’s time to focus on preparing for tomorrow’s match and training for the next two weeks to arrive at the final in the best possible condition. That’s all that’s important to me and the players.
Luis Enrique: “If we did it, it’s because the individual situation isn’t more important than the team.”
What’s your take on Chevalier’s situation? Do you want him to stay?
Tomorrow will be a real test of what we are as a team. If we did it, it’s because the individual situation isn’t more important than the team. That’s still the case tomorrow and for the final match. The final is our objective, and we’re staying focused on that.
What’s the objective in the preparation? Are you the favorites in the final?
The first thing we have to do is adapt to the schedule. We’re not playing the Coupe de France final. We have to prepare for the next two weeks. We’ll have time to do tactical training to focus on defense and attack. We’ll work on that. The objective is to arrive with the players in the best possible physical and technical condition for the final.
Then, it’s impossible to have a favorite for the final.
Luis Enrique: “I’m always open to change. But you shouldn’t change for the sake of change.”
Do you prefer to keep things as they are, or introduce changes during the preparation?
It depends on what the team needs. If they need change, we change everything. Otherwise, no. There isn’t just one way. It depends on the team, on the players. I’m always open. I take advantage of a training session to see the players.
If he’s at 100% and he doesn’t play much, a training session is like a match. I’m always open to change. But you shouldn’t change for the sake of change. That’s not the goal. I’m open to everything. But it’s not by chance.
Luis Enrique: “We were wondering what this stadium was all about.”
Have you ever played a derby this close before? Is it special?
It’s very special! I remember when I came to play against PSG with FC Barcelona, we were wondering what this stadium was all about. It’s special, very different. We’re happy to be playing away, but in Paris. It’s one less trip.
It’s also special for PFC, who have shown their ability to stay in Ligue 1. It’s positive for them and for us. It’s always special to play a derby. It’s a match that’s an opportunity to show our level, with a little tribute or a celebration for football. There’s the celebration, and then we have to prepare for the final on May 30th.
What are your thoughts on the trophy you received before the match?
There are always problems, no matter the country or the league. There are always people who are annoyed. I’ve already celebrated the Ligue 1 title, so the celebration doesn’t matter now. We’re champions, that’s the most important thing. The day we receive the trophy doesn’t concern me.
Luis Enrique: “It’s been a unique season; we haven’t been able to do things as usual.”
Seven of the players who play the most in Ligue 1 aren’t starters in the Champions League. Is that ideal?
It’s been a unique season; we haven’t been able to do things as usual. We haven’t always had the rotation we want. There have been injuries; it’s been very difficult. But at the same time, it’s shown the level of the players who get fewer minutes. We’ve shown throughout the season our ability to manage competitions. Unfortunately, we were eliminated by Paris FC in the Coupe de France. Even though it was a positive experience, we had a difficult period and we had one less competition.
Are there tickets to be won tomorrow for the final, or do you already have your starting lineup?
What we’re trying to do in this match is address the fact that many players are unavailable. We need to allocate the most playing time to the team on May 30th. Beyond that, we like our performance and we want to win the match with the same ambition as the first one.
Luis Enrique: “We have the gene to be competitive in all competitions.”
How can you be competitive without a preseason?
It’s genetic! Me and the staff have the gene to be competitive in all competitions. On the beach during vacation, I’m competitive! Even with my children. We have that, Luis Campos too. It’s important to know that. If you have to make an effort to motivate others, it won’t work. I’m motivated myself, and that helps me prepare for matches. I wake up ready; I don’t have to make any effort. For other things, I have to make a lot of effort (smiles).
