On Friday, as part of Matchday 14 of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) take on Auxerre (8th) at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps (kick-off 9pm, broadcast on DAZN in France). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “I’m not going to play that game.”
Do you understand why people say you’re a dogmatic coach, or do you know how to adapt?
I have no intention of valorizing my work, defining it or justifying it.
Can you confirm any tensions with your players? Has this increased since the defeat by Bayern?
It’s strange. It’s a magnificent, exceptional dressing room. The personal, human level is really top-notch. The professionalism is excellent. I’ve always praised the group. I’m not going to respond to rumours and lies. I’m not going to play that game.
Luis Enrique “It’s sad, because it’s not true. But it sells.”
Are you disappointed by these rumours? How do you bounce back to build momentum tomorrow against Auxerre?
(He sighs) I’ve been in soccer for over 30 years, so I’m not going to waste my energy on what’s being said. That’s not my battle. My battle is to help the team and represent my club well.
When I talked about washing dirty laundry in private, it’s because I don’t criticize players in public. I’m not going to get involved in these rumours, I’m not interested.
I find out about these rumours because the people in charge tell me about them before the press conference. It’s sad, because it’s not true. But it sells. I’m happy with my work and I’m concentrating on what I can control.
Luis Enrique: “Injuries are a thing of the past”.
Has the role of the coach changed over the last 30 years?
Yes, like all of soccer. Of course it has. But I remember, when I was a player there were 3 people on the staff. Now there are 30 or 40. There’s new data. It’s changed for the better, with tactics and rules of play.
Today, the players are really athletes, they’re better prepared. We have more information to manage and prepare. I like what I see.
Kimpembe and Hernandez are coming back from lengthy injuries, so how can we avoid rushing their return while keeping them involved?
These are players who are returning to the squad. Lucas Hernandez and Kimpembe are completely back in the squad, but now we need to adapt to the team’s rhythm. We’re delighted that they can help us.
Now we need to go through the real process of giving the coach the time he needs. But injuries are a thing of the past, and that’s very good news. Gonçalo Ramos has been able to play again, which is very good news.
Luis Enrique “There’s no better way to progress than to suffer.”
Any need to recruit at the mercato?
I think I’ve said it many times before, we’re always open to the mercato to improve, but it’s very difficult. We don’t want to recruit unless we’re sure we can improve the squad. Winter is a very particular mercato. But we’re always open to looking at possibilities.
Is the team in doubt after its counter-performances? Are you expecting any progress by the end of the year?
We’ll see. For me, it’s been a very good season. It’s true that we’ve made mistakes, and we’ve analyzed them. But it’s been a very good season. I see a lot of progress.
I think our problems in the Champions League are positive, because they don’t reflect the reality of my team. It’s going to push us. There’s nothing like suffering to progress. But what I’m hearing from the players is positive.
What are your expectations of the Club World Cup?
It’s going to be a very attractive competition, that’s for sure. It’s very exciting. Which is the best Brazilian club in your opinion? Botafogo? Then we’ll definitely play them (laughs).
Luis Enrique “If I like what I see in training, then they’ll get minutes.”
Could Kolo Muani and Skriniar leave at the mercato?
It’s a difficult mercato for everyone, for those who would like to recruit or players who would like to leave. We’d have to analyze everything. I can’t make any predictions.
I hope that all the players who don’t play much will turn their situation around, either by playing or training. I’m always open to behavior. If I like what I see in training, then they’ll get minutes.
Luis Enrique “I like what I see, but I want to see more.”
Désiré Doué, how can we help him use 100% of his talent?
How old is he, do you know? He’s 19. He’s a very high quality player, and he’s already played in a lot of games, but he needs to adapt. He’s a player I love, with great qualities and versatility. I like him playing, but there’s competition.
I don’t want anyone to fall asleep. I like intensity in training, and with quality it works. I have no worries about Doué. I like what I see, but I want to see more. I don’t know when we’ll see that more, with adaptation, I don’t know. But we have great confidence in him.
You’re often described as tough, with the players and the media. Have you seen how difficult it is for some players to accept? Do you have to adapt?
(smiles) With you, I don’t have to make any concessions, I know what I want to convey and how. If I like it, I’m not interested. Ever since I got into soccer, I’ve always wanted to be honest with myself and give it my all. I want competition, that desire, and the rest doesn’t interest me. I’m not here to respond to rumours.
What are your expectations of your opponents?
They’re very successful at home, they use transitions and side changes very well to cause problems. They’re dangerous, and they’re in a good period. It’s going to be a tough game.
Luis Enrique: “They’ll be tough games and we’ll face them with a lot of enthusiasm.
What responsibility do the players have in the face of a big schedule to end the year?
This season has started very well, which is very positive. The aim is to finish the year in the same way. We gained a point over 2nd place with the draw against Nantes.
There are still 3 games in the Champions League and we’re depending on ourselves. There’s the Coupe de France against Lens, which will be tough games, and we’ll be facing them with a lot of enthusiasm.
Luis Enrique “We need the right moment, without rushing or delaying too much.”
Could any of the Titis players like Axel Tape or Mohamed Sangaré get some playing time tomorrow?
We’re always open to all players in training. There are some quality players out there, and we’re testing them out and bringing some of them up so that they can adapt to the team. They’re young, they need to be prepared, and that can take months. We need to find the right moment, without rushing or delaying. They’re quality players. We’re going to use them, but when depends on their performance and the team’s needs.
