On Sunday, on Matchday 1 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain will face Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire (kick-off at 8:45 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Enrique: “We have to adapt throughout the season.”
Last season, you were champions with five matches remaining. Would you like more competition this season?
“Last season, we were champions because we played at a very good level. I can’t predict what will happen this year, but we want to win this championship again.”
Have you planned a strategy to rest your players throughout the season and avoid injuries?
“The first thing I must say is that football is a contact sport. Injuries are normal. But our approach to managing the season last year was good, and we want to do the same. We have to analyze everything and then plan for the players’ health. We have to adapt throughout the season, but we know how to do it thanks to our experience.”
Enrique: “Right now, it’s normal not to be at 100%.”
How do you feel about your team currently?
“This Wednesday, I liked the way my team fought. With the little training we had. That was our team’s DNA last season. Now, we want to get our ball back. Right now, it’s normal not to be at 100%.”
Could this August be a trap for you?
“All the beginnings of the season are difficult. But getting that feeling back is what we want. I can see the improvement after a week, but it’s going to take a little time. We sometimes struggle away from home, and against Nantes, we’re going to suffer. We know that, and we’re going to work on it.”
Enrique: “We want to continue winning and progressing.”
It’s been a long season for your players; preparation has only just begun, but how are your new recruits doing?
“All three are ready. They’re in a different condition than the other players. No problems there.”
What’s the toughest challenge this season? The mental aspect or the tactical aspect?
“The hardest part is being unpredictable for our opponents. To do that, we have to change things. It’s in our DNA. If you want to improve, you have to change either your tactics or your players… We want to continue winning and progressing. So we have to change and improve.”
Enrique: “The club knows what’s important, and so do the fans.”
Hakimi said that when a defender has such a season, he deserves the Ballon d’Or more than a striker. What’s your opinion on that?
“I know that, like all journalists, you love controversy. But there are more important things. The club knows what’s important, and the fans also know what’s important: winning trophies together. We have to stay focused on that.”
Do you see any other moves before the end of the transfer window?
“Our transfer window reflects what the team is. We don’t need many players. We have to remain open to the transfer window, but we’re calm. We have to analyze, but the versatility of our players allows us to be covered in all positions.”
Enrique: “We simply have to adapt to all situations.”
Do you think what you’ve put in place can last for several years?
“I don’t know. When you put a plan in place, a lot of things change. Every season changes. It depends on a lot of things you can’t control. We simply have to adapt to all situations. I can’t say what we’ll be this season, I’m just saying we’ll be ready.”
