On Sunday, during Matchday 4 of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (13th) will face Brest (7th) at the Stade Francis Le-Blé (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET). Ahead of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “It will be a special day, and we’ll need to play the best match possible to pay tribute to him.”
What memories do you have of Eric Roy?
Tomorrow will be a wonderful tribute to a football man—a unique individual. Look at what he’s shown in recent times: his fighting spirit and his ability to overcome health challenges… He won’t be there in person, but he’ll be watching. It will be a special day, and we need to put in our best performance to honor him. We’ll miss him, but that’s how it is; we have to move forward. I think he’d be very happy with this tribute.
Luis Enrique: “It’s about having the right mindset to train at your best so you’re ready when the team needs you.”
What are your thoughts on Mayulu?
The same as for all the players. It’s a somewhat unusual year regarding playing time. We have a larger squad. I like to rotate the team constantly, but it’s difficult when there’s only one match a week. What I can say about all the players—Mayulu included—is that they have the right mindset to train hard and be ready whenever the team needs them.
Did you tell the players to show the same face against Brest as they did in the Champions League?
I’m not going to keep repeating myself… I’m very pleased with what I saw in the first three matchdays, even if the results weren’t good. We deserved more. But when the result isn’t positive, there are things to improve. We’ve refined certain details, especially defensively. I think the team is ready to handle this situation—one we aren’t used to. We’re motivated. We need big performances against Brest and Marseille. We need points.
Luis Enrique: “We have solutions in every area of the pitch.”
Are you satisfied with the number of defenders? Can you foster competition for places?
There will be rotation across every line of the team. When I analyze the squad, I think it’s the most balanced one I’ve had. If three players get injured—regardless of the position—I have top-level solutions available. Last year, we had injuries in midfield and struggled. This season, we have options across every line to cover for three—or maybe four—absences. I think the options available to me are positive.
What were the defensive instructions? Was it about greater concentration?
You are very intelligent; you analyze everything. It comes down to small details—perhaps things aren’t as obvious as I think. You have plenty of ways to assess and judge the situation. It’s about minor elements. Even when we won, I said there was still room for improvement. You can imagine that when we don’t win our first three matches, there is certainly room for improvement.
Luis Enrique: “It’s hard to break into the first team, but we are always open to the qualities they bring.”
PSG players emphasize the collective when discussing the Ballon d’Or. How did you instill that mindset?
It’s obvious; everyone knows PSG plays as a team. Several players could win it, but it’s about the collective and the club. We have a specific philosophy for playing football, and we don’t want to change that. Regardless of the specific players, if the team plays well, there are several individuals who could win the Ballon d’Or. That’s a positive thing.
Adam Mouak has been called up for the Champions League match on Wednesday; can you tell us about him?
We have players like him and Arthur (Vignaud) available when there are issues within the squad. We are always open to looking at players from the U21 or U19 squads to see if they can step up. David Boly trains with us. That connection is important. It’s hard to break into the first team, but we are always open to the qualities they bring.
Luis Enrique: “That’s life at the elite level. Every player has to show they are ready.”
What is your strategy regarding the third-choice goalkeeper position?
Luis Campos and I want to have options. Renato Marin has played for the U21s and a bit with us; this season, he’s out on loan to get plenty of match time. It’s the same for Longoni—it’s important that he plays. Training helps you improve, but playing matches is crucial.
We monitor performances on loan, as well as with the U21s and U19s. I’m very happy with my three goalkeepers. This is PSG; the same rules apply to everyone. No player can afford to be complacent; we always have to improve. You have to understand that if we look for someone to improve upon what we already have—well, that’s life at the elite level. Every player has to show they are ready. Luis Enrique: “He got that opportunity in the Champions League because he deserves it.”
What qualities does Dro have, and what can he improve?
Signing Dro last year was a very positive move. It’s always difficult when you change cities or countries. He’s only 18, but he’s adapting perfectly to what we’re looking for in a midfielder and forward. He got that opportunity in the Champions League because he deserves it.
He performed very well when he came on previously. That’s what we look for—being ready for every match. He has a lot of qualities. He’s young, but if he deserves to play, he’ll play. That’s the standard for all the players.
Luis Enrique: “When you’re at a club like PSG, there’s always criticism.”
Has Zabarnyi faced criticism lately? Does he seem to be struggling?
That’s normal. When you’re at a club like PSG, there’s always criticism. Even when you win 6–1, there’s criticism directed at the goalkeeper, a midfielder, or a forward who isn’t scoring. That noise is a positive thing; it means we’re at a big club. I remember the criticism aimed at Barcola, Dembélé, Luis Enrique, and Doué… people saying they weren’t up to the level required.
That’s fair; it means we’re at one of the best clubs in the world. You have to recognize that there’s room for improvement. It’s not unfair. We need to be even better. But I’m very happy with my players. Every player goes through ups and downs over the course of a season.
