Paris Saint-Germain drew 0-0 against Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday at the San Mamés Stadium in Matchday 6 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. After this victory, PSG coach Luis Enrique spoke at the post-match press conference.
Enrique: “It’s a bit of a shame, but we’ll have to win even more points.”
Are you frustrated with the result?
“Why? No frustration. It was intense, different. We know Athletic Bilbao well. We did the job well. We started well, clearly and precisely, but Bilbao pressed well. In the second half, we overcame their pressure, and Unai Simon was the man of the match.
The atmosphere was incredible! Athletic’s pressure bothered us. That’s football.” It’s a bit of a shame, but we’ll need to win even more points to finish in the top eight.
What did you think of the atmosphere?
“The atmosphere was incredible. It’s great to play in that kind of atmosphere. We showed the kind of team we are. The worst thing tonight (Wednesday) is the result. It’s a bad result. Both teams created chances and opportunities to score.”
Will this match help you going forward?
“We’re a team all the time, in every match. After this very unusual start to the season, I’m very motivated to get all the players back after Christmas. But I’m very happy with what I’ve seen these last few months. As a team, we’re better than last season. We’re positive and optimistic.”
What happened with Marquinhos?
“It’s nothing serious, but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow (Thursday) to find out what’s wrong with him.”
Enrique: “All five forwards showed their level.”
A word on Bradley Barcola’s performance?
“We had two or three chances where, normally, there was a teammate in a better position. It’s normal not to see when you’re a player. All five forwards showed their level. We had a lot of chances.”
Could this lack of efficiency lead to recruitment this winter?
“Ha ha. The transfer window motivates you! We’re open to anything. Lack of efficiency? I don’t agree. Unai Simon was named man of the match. We deserved the victory if you consider the balance of chances for both teams.”
What would you say to your players next time to break the press?
“I never say to you what I say to the players. Before the match, my message was about concentration. If we’re not focused, we’ll concede a goal. We could have lost the match, but Bilbao couldn’t maintain that intensity for 90 minutes.”
What did you say to Unai Simon?
“He’s absolutely brilliant! I made him a starter (with Spain when Luis Enrique was the national team coach). He deserves to be where he is. He’s top-level. I told him: ‘You played your best match against me!'”
