On Saturday, during Matchday 9 of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Brest (12th) at the Stade Francis Le-Blé (kick-off at 5 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “We’re ready, given our circumstances. It’s not an excuse, it’s just the way it is. We have to know how to manage. I think we’re doing it.”
Marquinhos is back, can he start tomorrow? How is the competition with Zabarnyi going?
We’ll have to wait for today’s session to find out which players will be ready tomorrow in Brest. We recently got Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembélé back, and before that, Désiré Doué. This is good news. We’re happy.
Speaking of competition, it’s one of the most important things to improve our performances individually and collectively.
A more complicated run in the league than in the Champions League for you, can Marseille prevent you from easily winning the championship?
You always analyze based on the result. It doesn’t work like that. I saw the same team, the same identity. Even if there were different players, because we had to change players. We do the same thing in the league and the Champions League, with different results. I’m very calm, very confident. I saw the same things. It’s your job to analyze why it works or not.
We always try to play the same way, but circumstances change. I saw the same mentality and identity as last season. You’re concerned because we lost a point, but I’m not. As PSG coach, I don’t worry about others. We’re ready, given our circumstances. It’s not an excuse; it’s just how it is. We have to know how to manage. I think we do.
Luis Enrique: “This mobility is very important for us.”
Is it important to have perfect matches and regain first place in Ligue 1 with the next three matches?
We must above all focus on winning matches, first twice away and then at home. We must try to win every match, but it’s very difficult. We know how difficult it will be to win in Brest tomorrow, but that’s our goal.
What does Doué bring as a starting nine compared to Dembélé? Does this versatility work for all lines?
Of course. You know my preference for players who can play in different positions. That’s always positive. There are differences; each starting nine has its own characteristics. But what we’re looking for is continuity, the ability to dribble, win duels, score, etc. We have a lot of players. Dembélé, Ramos, Doué, Mayulu, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Lee, even the full-backs are at times in 9. This mobility is very important for us. We are happy to have this possibility.
Luis Enrique: “That’s why we’re not recruiting.”
What’s your take on Hakimi’s start to the season and his leadership role?
His status hasn’t changed in two years. He’s one of the leaders in the locker room. His teammates chose him as their second captain. This indicates his level within the team. He’s a different player, with great offensive and defensive qualities. He can play almost every match at 100%. That’s a guarantee. I’m very happy to have him in the team.
Does Hakimi deserve the African Ballon d’Or?
To be honest, I have to look at the other players. He’s without a doubt the best right-back in the world, in my opinion. That’s why we’re not recruiting; he almost always plays, and we have solid options when he doesn’t. To bring in a player, you have to pay a lot, even though he won’t play much and will be demotivated because he won’t be better than Hakimi. We want to make the most of our player and have opportunities within the team.
Luis Enrique: “That’s the coach’s job. When everyone is negative, you have to be positive.”
How do you combat the feeling that the team is taking it easy?
That’s the coach’s job. When everyone is negative, you have to be positive. When everyone is positive, you have to remind them of the negative. There, in the 35th minute, it was 1-1 and 10 against 10. You have to find balance. You often have to go against the grain.
How do you assess Zaire-Emery’s progress?
Warren had a very good year. He’s a player we like. He’s starting the season at his usual level. It’s normal in a career to have ups and downs. We’re happy to see him with this confidence. It’s important. In the last two matches, he’s been sensational.
How do you maintain that mentality despite injuries and a lot of games?
It depends on the players. When you have that mentality, that atmosphere in the team… It’s very important to have fun, to enjoy it all. It’s one of the most important things. It’s one of the goals.
Luis Enrique: “It’s their character, their way of facing it together.”
The team always knows how to react. Is that one of your greatest achievements?
I don’t know. It’s one of the first things we want to convey to the players. This mentality isn’t me, it’s their character, their way of facing it together. We can say what we want, but if the players don’t have that character, it’s pointless. I’m very happy to see that.
Any news on Neves and Ruiz?
I think they’re doing very well, but we have to wait for today’s training session. Sooner rather than later, they’ll be in the team. I hope to have everyone back soon.
