On Saturday, during Matchday 16 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Metz (18th) at the Stade Saint-Symphorien (kick-off at 7 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “The team is ready”
Is the team progressing well despite the absences?
In terms of our play, I think we’re on the expected trajectory. There are things we’ve improved, and others we can improve. From what I’ve seen on the pitch, I’m happy. Both defensively and offensively, I’m happy.
Is it difficult to manage the end of the year with four away games?
I hope not, but we travel a lot. That’s the schedule; we have to adapt. We’re not making excuses. We’re used to it; we travel in the best possible conditions. It’s good to have this opportunity. But we’re feeling the fatigue. What I’ve seen in training is that the team is ready. I hope we don’t have any problems with that.
Luis Enrique: “I’m happy to know that we have three top goalkeepers.”
Lucas Chevalier is fit, did the break do him good?
He had a minor injury, but he’s back. He trained as usual. We also saw another player who hadn’t played before. Safonov showed his level, and we’re very happy to see the players always ready. He showed his character. I’m glad to know we have three top goalkeepers.
How do injuries change management? How do we reach the next level?
I don’t know. What I see is the team’s level. I don’t think it’s very different. I hope to have the players back after Christmas and that we can face the most important part of the season in the best possible way.
It’s strange, because we haven’t been able to do that since the beginning of the season. But I hope so. And I’m happy with what I’ve seen from the team.
Luis Enrique: “I think we’re continuing in the same vein.”
Is the Intercontinental Cup as important for PSG as it is for Flamengo or Pyramids?
It’s the same motivation for everyone, the same importance for the trophy. It’s a trophy you rarely win. It’s very important. It’s good for us to know that.
Can last season’s performance be useful for the rest of this season?
We can make the comparison, but I think we’re continuing in the same vein. We really showed our quality as a team, with a lot of unusual and different situations. No one doubts our team. We can play better or worse, but what you see in the analysis is the same ideas, the ability to manage regardless of the stadium.
Luis Enrique: “He still needs to recover. We have to be careful.”
Is a match against the bottom team particularly difficult to prepare for?
Every match has its difficulties, whether it’s the bottom team, the top team, or the Champions League. We know they’ll be motivated. It will be difficult. We’re trying to be ready for this match. We know it’s tough to play away from home.
How do we manage Dembélé so he can come back in the best possible shape?
It’s a shame for him and the team. We haven’t been able to see much of him in these first four months. We’re trying to manage it; it’s my responsibility to manage it as best we can so we can see him back in the best possible condition. He’s been ill these last few days. He started training individually today. He still needs to recover. We have to be careful.
Luis Enrique: “It’s important to know that you have to be ready for opportunities.”
Can Safonov change the way the goalkeeper position is managed?
It depends, all the time. I have a lot of confidence in our three goalkeepers. It’s important to know that you have to be ready for opportunities. Safonov has shown that. I like our three goalkeepers. We’ll see tomorrow.
Marquinhos and Chevalier committed some serious fouls that went largely unpunished. Do you have any comments on the refereeing? A lack of protection for the players?
I’d love to talk, I’m old in football. I have a lot of experience. I decided a long time ago not to talk about that.
I’d like to express my opinions, but I prefer to show my players that we have to focus on the things we can control. I’m convinced of that. It’s more positive for me in the long run than talking about the referee every week.
Luis Enrique: “We’re analyzing, we know where we’re going. We’re open, as always.”
Have you made progress on the transfer window? Have you realized that recruiting this winter is a priority?
No. I stand by what I said. We’re open, as always. We have a staff that’s analyzing. There are injuries, there are times, we have faith in our young players. It’s not easy for us to recruit a player. If you know of a very interesting player who’s also less expensive, I’m ready to listen. We’re analyzing, we know where we’re going. We’re open, as always.
How long will Marquinhos be out?
I don’t know. If you like, I can call the doctor for next time (smiles). I know it’s nothing too serious, but I don’t know if he’ll be available on Wednesday.
