Paris Saint-Germain faced Slovan Bratislava this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in the opening match of the 2026-2027 Champions League league phase. The game ended in a 6-1 victory for Paris. Following the match, the Slovak team’s coach, Yaya Touré, spoke at a press conference.
Touré: “They are superior in every aspect of the game.”
How do you feel after the defeat?
You’re playing against one of the best teams in the competition. They are superior in every aspect of the game—by a wide margin. You have to be honest about that. I learned and saw a lot from today’s match. Now I know where we stand in relation to this competition. It won’t be easy.
Touré: “We saw that we have a lot of work to do and a lot to learn.”
How do you explain the result?
We played against a stronger opponent tonight. For me, Paris will be close to winning this trophy again. They were very strong in every aspect. My players gave their best. It wasn’t easy. Their defense and attack are exceptional! They have 10 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or, players who have won World Cups. But my players gave their all. We have a young team, with players experiencing the Champions League for the first time. And I am, too, as a coach. How many years has Paris been playing in this competition? With World Cup participants, players who have won the World Cup. The gap is considerable, to be honest.
We have a lot to learn; this allows us to grow and progress toward our goal. When you play against a stronger opponent, you learn. The most important thing is the next match. I prefer this kind of match—one that gives us something to work on—rather than getting a draw and thinking we’re amazing. We saw that we have a lot of work to do and a lot to learn. It makes my message clearer. The players saw what the top level looks like. Paris is one of the best teams you can face.
Touré: “I’d like to copy everything from PSG.”
Is there one thing you’d like to copy from PSG?
I’d like to copy everything from PSG. It’s incredible! They are a machine, from back to front. They always have the numerical advantage; they know each other very well, they move in unison, and they press you. It’s not easy. It was a tough match for us. We’ll learn from this and try to move forward.
Touré: “That was my disappointment today”
Was Dembélé in top form?
That was my disappointment today. Dembélé was at 100% today; I’m a bit disappointed because he wasn’t quite there in the two or three matches where I’d seen him previously (smiles). He’s a fantastic player. It’s a pleasure to play against a team like that; my players saw what the highest level looks like. They play with such fluidity.
Those kinds of players are always in the right place at the right time, regardless of whether you’ve prepared for the match or not. I’m not going to put three players on him. Paris is one of the best teams we’ll face. And Paris showed us respect and played at full intensity.
