On Wednesday, during Matchday 1 of the 2026–2027 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain will face Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “It looks like an easy match, but there are no easy matches in the Champions League.”
What is the squad’s confidence level? Have the results affected the team?
If we look only at results, it’s been a disastrous start to the season. But as a coach, I try to value everything happening on the pitch. Clearly, there are things to improve, but we deserve more points. That’s football; we accept it. We are working to improve our performances.
Will PSG always have an edge over the European competition?
It is the top competition and the hardest one to play in. It comes down to fine margins. How many teams do you think can win it? Six, eight, five? The differences are very small. We want to get off to a strong start. We know the challenge. It looks like an easy match, but there are no easy matches in the Champions League. You have to be ready to win.
Luis Enrique: “We negotiated discreetly, and that’s how it will be done again.”
Are you hoping for contract extensions for Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé?
It depends. It’s impossible to keep every player. It’s normal for players and coaches to come and go. But I’m confident. We have the best president and the best sporting director to determine what the team needs. We’ve had extensions before; we negotiated discreetly, and that’s how it will be done again.
What is your analysis of the defensive side of things? What did the video work entail?
I’m not going to talk about that. But we have to show the players where there is room for improvement. We’ve been unlucky with some shots; there have been some great goals scored against us. By the end of the season, things will balance out based on what we deserve. But we need to improve—we’ve shown that to the players. Football isn’t a fair sport. We need to improve our efficiency, but also our focus.
Luis Enrique: “The goal remains the same, but it will be very difficult.”
Does the real competition start in February? Is there no pressure during the league phase?
No, I always put pressure on the team and the players. I want to finish in the top eight and avoid the play-offs. But given our draw, it’s very difficult. There will be tough matches; we’re going to drop points. Qualifying—even just finishing in the top 24—will be hard. We got one of the toughest draws; that’s nothing new for us. We try to look at the positives. The goal remains the same, but it will be very difficult.
What is your take on Yaya Touré’s transition into coaching? How does his background as a player help him?
We were at Barça at the same time; he was a first-team player, and I was the B-team coach. I remember what a top-level player he was. He gained experience as an assistant, but this is his first time as a head coach. From my analysis, I can see he likes to have possession—similar to the style he experienced at Barça and Manchester City. We’ll see tomorrow if he sticks to that same strategy or decides to play more defensively. We’ll find out tomorrow. That’s something we’ll have to manage during the match.
Luis Enrique: “We need to step out of our comfort zone.”
Do you need to be even more demanding with your squad this season?
I’m certain of that. From day one, I’ve wanted to convey the same message. I don’t want to dwell on the past. You have to refresh your approach every year. Everyone is motivated to play against us; we have to accept that. It means we need to step out of our comfort zone. I’m ready to pursue that—to reinvent ourselves every day.
Is there an advantage to starting against a more manageable opponent?
All away games are tough; at home, things might work in your favor. But we have experience with the start of the season—it’s very easy for a match to become complicated. We’ll need to be ready to press hard and play with maximum intensity. We have to be ready to win. We might be the favorites, but we have to prove it on the pitch.
Luis Enrique: “Playing against PSG is an even bigger source of motivation for them.”
Which is harder: the first Champions League title or the third?
It depends on the individual player. I can’t say. You like those kinds of questions, but I try to live in the moment. It’s special; you always feel that motivation. But playing against PSG is an even bigger source of motivation for them.
Is it difficult for new signings to adapt to the high standards at PSG? Do you have any concerns?
We pay close attention to the players who have arrived. We want to provide them with the necessary information. The time it takes to adapt depends on many factors. It’s easier for new signings when they see how the team conducts itself. We try to provide the information they need to adapt as quickly as possible, but ultimately, it depends on the individual player.
Luis Enrique: “What provides the most motivation is being in the starting lineup.”
What is your method for keeping players motivated?
There is no single method for this—no magic phrase to motivate the players. It depends on the situation. But the biggest motivator is being in the starting lineup. Naturally, with this type of player—those who know they almost always play—you have to find a different source of motivation. But it varies from player to player.
