On Tuesday, during Matchday 3 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (third-placed) will face Bayer Leverkusen (25th-placed) at the BayArena (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “We’re very happy to have him, like Marquinhos. And Désiré Doué.”
Should we prioritize the Champions League to qualify as quickly as possible?
What we’re looking for is the same thing as last year: to take as many points as possible. We have a difficult draw, but that’s the goal. Tomorrow will be a good test for both teams. We’re happy to have won the previous two matches, but tomorrow is a different game.
What difference does it make to finally be able to rely on Dembélé, the Ballon d’Or winner?
You think a lot about the Ballon d’Or, but it’s mostly about Dembélé. He’s the same player. We’re very happy to have him, like Marquinhos. And Désiré Doué. It’s always important for us to have these opportunities. We want to know how they feel in training today, and we’ll see tomorrow.
Luis Enrique: “We want to continue together.”
Why are Neves and Ruiz still out? Did they have a relapse?
I don’t know. They first have to overcome the medical issue. When the doctors and the players are confident, they return to the squad. That’s not the case; we have to wait. We’ve had some very good news with some players returning, but we’re waiting for the others.
Did you know Pacho before he signed for PSG? How did he attract you?
We signed him because we knew him. We work a lot with the management and the staff. We were happy when he arrived and he performed well from the first match. This is not normal. He is young, he can improve a lot. He is very strong defensively, he wins the ball back without making any mistakes. We are happy, he can improve. He has the mentality of a player to be decisive. We want to continue together.
Luis Enrique: “Do you remember how long you criticized Donnarumma?”
What’s your take on Lucas Chevalier’s debut? Is it difficult to adapt?
There’s nothing. It’s the same every year. I’m very happy with him. For me, he’s one of the best options. I’m very happy with his performances. When we recruit, we think long-term. He has personality, he shows it in training and matches.
Do you remember how long you criticized Donnarumma? I remember, you killed him for four years. I wasn’t a coach at PSG, I could already hear the criticism. When you’re a goalkeeper at a club like PSG, you have to learn to live with it. I like Chevalier’s personality and level. We’re confident he’ll be important for many years to come. When I see his performances, I see what I want to see. That’s enough for me.
Was the victory against Barça important? Did it give you confidence?
Of course, confidence is the word. Especially for the young players. They showed they have quality. This start to the season has been very different, very difficult. We overcame difficulties that don’t normally occur. But we showed fighting spirit, resilience. It will be an important match tomorrow. The sooner we can pick up points, the better. We’re only thinking about winning and earning it. It will be difficult.
Luis Enrique: “We have to train today to see how our players are doing, then play tomorrow.”
Leverkusen is less impressive than Barça, what have you identified?
It’s difficult to give Leverkusen a good rating. There are 20 new players, a new coach. There are things we can perhaps use, but this is a team with a coach who has the ability to score, who can defend deep, who can press.
Like every match for us, we have to see what the opponent will do. We have to know how to manage, as usual. Each match presents different situations. We are calm, we are ready. We have to train today to see how our players are doing, then play tomorrow.
Luis Enrique: “He can play in any position.”
How important is Nuno Mendes and how can he improve?
You know his qualities. He’s a different player, he’s a defender and a striker (smiles). He can play in any position. It’s nice to have to manage the playing time of internationals, like Vitinha or Hakimi. There are very important players to manage in order to try to arrive at the most important moment in the best possible condition.
How does Joaquin Valdes help you?
We have experience; we’ve worked together for many years. She’s the only one who’s been with me throughout my entire coaching career. It’s easy for us; we’re perfectly familiar with the highs and lows of a season for the players and the staff.
We’re used to experiencing this. Experience is important. You have to be able to analyze a lot of things, but experience also counts. We have a psychologist on staff; it’s unusual, but it’s one of the best things for me.
