On Wednesday, during Matchday 2 of the 2026-2027 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Manchester City (8th) at the Etihad Stadium (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “It’s a challenge and a source of motivation”
All your attacking players are ready; is that a nice dilemma to have? Do you enjoy it?
Yes! Of course, having all the players available is the best thing for a coach. I think this match comes at just the right time to see what kind of performance we can put in. It’s a challenge and a source of motivation to play here again.
Luis Enrique: “I think we’ve started the season brilliantly”
You’ve created a lot of chances in three of your last four matches. That’s important, but is it enough?
I think we’ve started the season brilliantly—in terms of our play and the chances we’ve created. But we haven’t achieved the results I think we deserved. And results are what matter most in football. We’re in an unusual position in the league, but I’m not worried.
We’re about to play our second Champions League match away from home against one of the best teams in Europe. After that, it’s Barcelona. We’re motivated to show our true level, to show that we want to overcome difficulties and play the same way whether we’re at home or away. That’s our goal this season.
Luis Enrique: “An interesting and entertaining match.”
Is this the first big test of the season?
No, this result won’t have any bearing on what happens in the future. We’ll see after January. You can really gauge a team’s level when March arrives; there’s often a difference compared to this stage of the season. Things change over five or six months. But it is an interesting and entertaining match. It’s motivating for us to return to Manchester and try to play at our best level. The Premier League investigation into City’s financial breaches?
There is a lot of noise surrounding big clubs; right now, it’s Manchester City’s turn. We have to wait for the final decision from those responsible for making it. I hope everything turns out well for Manchester City; I think what they’ve achieved on the pitch is incredible, and the trophies are well-deserved. But we have to wait for the judges’ decision.
Luis Enrique: “Whenever I get the chance, I watch Maresca’s teams.”
Erling Haaland said he was impressed by PSG and highlighted the role of the full-backs. Will they be more defensive tomorrow?
Defensive and offensive—great teams talk about defending and attacking well. We want to attack all the time, just like Manchester City. I liked Pep’s style, and Maresca’s too. Whenever I get the chance, I watch Maresca’s teams. It’s entertaining. It shows you know how to both attack and defend.
Does the current situation make them even more dangerous, creating a sense of total unity?
They are in great form; they’ve won every match. That reflects their level. They have a lot of quality players—internationals—and a very good manager with a clear vision. It’s a huge challenge for us, and very motivating.
Luis Enrique: “We must respect the process and wait for the final decision.”
Are you surprised by the infractions involving City?
The initial reaction is surprise. But we have to respect the process and wait for the final decision. There are authorities responsible for that; we must wait. But in terms of football—on the pitch—they deserve their titles. I liked the way they played. Beyond that, we have to wait.
Reuniting with Donnarumma—what are your memories? Dembélé said he is the number one; do you think so too?
No, the “number one” is the trio at PSG. But I really like Donnarumma. It was very difficult when we made our decision. That’s life. I see he’s playing at the same level as he was in Paris; he’s a wonderful person. I love seeing him; I hope he enjoys his time in Manchester.
Luis Enrique: “I’m tired of the Ballon d’Or.”
You often talk about the importance of the collective, but the Ballon d’Or is coming up and you have several players nominated. Big matches are approaching—is it important to stand out?
I’m tired of the Ballon d’Or (smiling). We have players who deserve the trophy; we were one of the best teams. Our style of play showcased our players, and many of them would deserve it. A decision will be made. But I’m tired of the Ballon d’Or.
Luis Enrique: “That’s football; you have to stay calm.”
An update on the summer signings? What is their potential?
As always, there are different situations. With Ferran, things are positive right now. But if he goes three games without scoring, it’ll be chaos. For Mika Godts, it’ll be the opposite. If he scores a hat-trick, he’ll be the new Platini. That’s football; you have to stay calm. But my first message to the new signings and the academy graduates is simple: relax—you know you’re going to be criticized constantly. That’s the life of a top-level player; you have to get used to it.
Luis Enrique: “Everyone knows how we’re going to play.”
Is there an opportunity to use your full-backs to play very offensively and trouble City?
This is my fourth year in Paris; do you think I’m going to change things up and play defensively? Did Maresca talk about our full-backs or theirs? They attack a lot too! (smiles). Everyone knows how we’re going to play. We’ll look to play as usual, with everyone attacking. Of course, there are details to consider when facing a team like Maresca’s City, but the mentality—the desire to win—remains the same.
Pep Guardiola will be there; what will you say to him?
Nothing—nothing serious (smiles). The trophies won on the pitch are what count. They deserved to win; I hope they can avoid sanctions. But we’ll have to see. As for my conversations with Pep, those will remain private.
