This Friday at 8:45 PM (CET), Paris Saint-Germain faces Lille at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Matchday 2 of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season. In the pre-match press conference, Lille coach Davide Ancelotti spoke about the upcoming game and their Parisian opponents.
Ancelotti: “It’s a club that remains part of my history, and I have fond memories.”
Will Matias Fernandez-Pardo play?
We decided not to have him train with the squad until the transfer window closes and his situation is resolved. It’s a transfer market issue—a club matter. I’m focused on the players available for tomorrow.
Can Bayo play?
He has shown an exemplary attitude. He returned with some fitness issues, but he sorted them out well thanks to his attitude. He brings a very positive vibe to the group and is training well. He is available; the rest is up to me to decide.
You know PSG well—you were a fitness coach there 15 years ago. What are your takeaways from that time?
It was a very positive experience; I learned a lot. I didn’t speak French—I started with the youth teams and didn’t understand a thing. It wasn’t the PSG of today; it was the beginning of the project. There was a lot of work to be done. I’ve maintained relationships with many players and with coach Laurent Bonadéi. I don’t know if I’ll run into anyone who was there back then, but it’s possible. It’s a club that remains part of my history, and I have fond memories.
Ancelotti: “It’s a magnificent opportunity.”
Can Nianzou and Bakwa play?
Bakwa started training with us yesterday, but he’s arrived in good shape because he was able to train with his former club. He brings experience and is available for tomorrow. Tanguy is back with the group, too.
Is playing PSG for the first home game a gift?
It’s both a gift and not a gift. It’s a magnificent opportunity to play the first home match against a team like that. We see it as a wonderful experience to share together. We know it’s very tough and that we’ll have to get things spot on, but we want to show our values on the pitch—with the fans’ help. We’ll need solidarity, humility, and hard work.
Ancelotti: “We have to keep our identity but also adapt.”
It’s your first time in this stadium too; how are you feeling about it? Do you need to take the pressure off?
We’ve prepared for the match with great composure and attention to the necessary details. We have to keep our identity but also adapt. I’m quite calm, though there’s excitement too. Last week was very emotional. But I don’t want to play the match before it actually starts. I can see the players are focused. I’m happy for now; we’ll see what happens later (smiles).
Are Mukau and Bentaleb up to the task for a match like this?
I have great confidence in all our players. They’re ready to fight in this kind of game. Mukau hasn’t always played in this position; he’s done well out wide, too. He has a lot of energy and puts a huge amount into the team. Actual playing time is increasing. You need energetic players. We need the substitutes, too. That was the case last year, and it won’t change—especially given the limited recovery time between matches.
Ancelotti: “Seeing the human being behind the role—that is the most important quality for a coach.”
A word on Luis Enrique, who has achieved a lot at PSG?
I admire him greatly. He has contributed so much to football—and not just at PSG. What he has built is admirable. His work has also benefited French football. For a young coach like me, he is someone to look up to. I watch him closely and learn a great deal from him. He is authentic in his communication. Seeing the human being behind the role—that is the most important quality for a coach.
Is this the right moment to face Paris—to really put them under pressure?
No, the match comes when it comes. We have to be ready, without worrying about the opponent. It will always be a tough game. We need to play our own game, stick to our ideas, and adapt without losing our identity. The state Paris is in isn’t our concern. We must stay calm and composed, and give it our all.
