Presnel Kimpembe, the iconic Paris Saint-Germain defender, where he came through the youth ranks before leaving in 2025 after two injury-plagued years, spoke with Ici Paris. The 30-year-old, now playing for Qatar SC, discussed his relationship with coach Luis Enrique. There were positive aspects, even though the situation was difficult.
Kimpembe: “The coach changed a lot of things.”
Luis Enrique’s contribution?
The coach changed a lot of things. In terms of discipline, the group changed; it became younger. There are many factors that make the team what it is today.
Does he have a particular strength of conviction? When he says PSG will win everything, does it sound true?
Of course, because he already believes it. You have to believe him to achieve it.
A genius, or is he crazy?
Crazy, no (smiles). He’s confident, confident in the players he has at his disposal. He has a younger group, which is therefore more manageable. These are players who had less experience, but whom he knew he could mold to his liking.
Did you feel you had more power in your second year? Was there any resentment?
Of course, several times. He knows that.
Kimpembe: “There’s a huge amount of respect.”
Did you tell him that?
Of course, but the reality is what it is. You have to know how to accept things. That’s also one of my strengths. I’m someone who knows what he’s getting into. It’s complicated because we’re competitors. A competitor always wants to play, always wants to win. That wasn’t the case for me at that time. I was able to accept things.
A lot of respect from Luis Enrique?
Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed in the squad. All the players say it when they’re with Luis Enrique: if you don’t do the job, you’ll be left out. He showed he was counting on me, and I repaid that trust. There’s a huge amount of respect.
