On Saturday, as part of the 24th day of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) take on Lille (4th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 9.05pm, UTC+1). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “When he sees what his teammates are doing offensively and defensively, he sees how to adapt.”
Kvaratskhelia arrived in January, how do you facilitate his integration?
The same way we did with Beraldo last year, by giving him the information he needs without giving him everything at once. He gets it through training sessions and matches. When you recruit a player at this level, he’s very intelligent and knows how to adapt.
When he sees what his team-mates are doing offensively and defensively, he knows how to adapt. We give him room for his individuality. There are different profiles, and we respect their qualities and want to make the most of them.
Will you be rotating the squad this Saturday with the LDC in mind?
That’s the schedule that we have and that we value, because it means that we’re in all the competitions. It’s very intense, and we’re going to be back-to-back again. It’s very important at times like these to control the minutes, but also the type of match played. We’re doing well, we’re managing the minutes very well. We’ve got all the players available and they’re all ready. I like that.
Luis Enrique “I don’t want to get into that.”
Are you still waiting for the team to step up a gear, or is the level satisfactory for facing Liverpool?
There are similarities between Lille and Liverpool. There are things we’re going to see that could be similar to Liverpool. It’s a great warm-up match for us, against an opponent who’s qualified for the Champions League. They’re a very good team, who pose us problems.
It takes a lot, and it’s a great motivation to show that we can play every game, against anyone. We’ll be at home, so it’s like having an extra player. We’re really stronger with our supporters.
How do you rate the level of refereeing in France?
I never talk about the level of referees. If I said what I sometimes feel, it would be difficult. I don’t want to get into that. I also tell my players not to protest. It’s very difficult to be a referee. There are always people who don’t like it.
I’ve learned not to give an opinion, either myself or my players. There are situations and people always think it’s against us. You mustn’t protest. But the players protest at training.
Luis Enrique “I try to look at the positive and be prepared for every game.”
You said “we play like a real team”. What does that mean? Is that the key to the Champions League?
It means what everyone can see. There are others like that, including Liverpool. They’re a real team, and everything is done collectively. There are other teams doing very well.
Liverpool aren’t playing this weekend, is that an advantage or a disadvantage?
There’s no disadvantage or no disadvantage. There are different possible analyses. These are things you can’t calendar. I’d like him to adapt to our priorities, but that’s not possible. I try to look at the positive and be prepared for every game.
Luis Enrique “No match starts and finishes the same way.”
Lille, are you expecting high pressure or a low block?
What we’re trying to achieve is for the team to have the resources to deal with any situation, whether it’s high or low. What’s normal in a match is that things can change. You always have to be ready for any match situation, so that the players can act.
Sometimes we don’t show our opponents much, because they’re always changing. Especially against us. There are changes during the match, with risk-taking when there are goals. No match starts and ends the same way.
What inspired you to put Dembélé in the middle?
I sometimes used him like that last year. There were possibilities. His evolution is linked to the team’s progress, to doing more things. All the players want to contribute to this team. Everyone’s numbers are improving, strikers, midfielders and defenders alike. We need to know where we can improve and where our strengths lie, and reduce our weaknesses.
Luis Enrique “From now on, when you play there’s very little to prepare.”
Will Zaire-Emery play more tomorrow?
Yes, to balance his recovery.
What about the French Cup draw against Dunkerque, again away from home?
That’s the draw. All matches are away, that’s just the way it is. It’s the Coupe de France. We’re in the semi-finals, and our aim is to reach the final. But they’re a top team in Ligue 2, who knocked out Brest. It’s going to be a tough match.
How do you prepare for matches on a tight schedule? Do the players self-manage?
We’re already several months into the season, there are a lot of matches, and we’ve improved certain aspects and situations since the winter. From now on, when you’re playing, there’s very little to prepare.
The main thing is to recover and rest. We’re analyzing things, but we’re in a dynamic where we know what we’re doing. We want to carry on like this.
Luis Enrique “Choosing the staff is a big responsibility.”
Can you tell us more about the staff’s role?
I think all coaches have this responsibility to have a staff to prepare for a season at this level, which is very intense. I always try to have the best-prepared people. I’m convinced that I can still learn, but you also have to know how to delegate. I’ve been able to adapt my ideas throughout my career.
My staff is very hard-working, and at a very high level. It’s a pleasure. Choosing the staff is a big responsibility, before the players. You always want to integrate a new person. But I always want more from everyone.
Luis Enrique “A team is about solving situations together.”
Lille, an opportunity for a tactical test? Is injury management the priority?
It’s a big test for the players who want to play against Liverpool. It will be a very high-level rival with a similar style to Liverpool. As for fatigue, if you’re prepared for it, it’s a thing of the past, but if you want to play, it doesn’t exist. You have to enjoy every day, and even more so when you’re playing at the Parc des Princes. A team is all about resolving situations together.
There used to be a lot of injuries at PSG, but now the team runs more, but there are fewer injuries. What’s the secret?
I don’t know (smiles). I don’t like talking about injuries, they bring the evil eye. We’re working, like everyone else. We have an idea, but there are some complex things. I’m satisfied, the aim is to keep going. Injuries are inevitable, there’s contact. We want to avoid what’s possible, so that the players are in the best possible conditions. But we’re not talking about injuries anymore (laughs).
Luis Enrique: “He has to be an example for other youngsters”.
Mbaye has been awarded the Titi d’Or, what advice do you have for him?
He’s just 17 years old, and he’s only been training with us for a year. It’s not a gift, he’s got the level. He’s already very intelligent and technically he has things to improve, like all players. He needs to improve his left foot, for example, and this is a piece of advice for every player in the world. When a player scores a lot with his right foot, he needs to work on his left.
Tactically, we give a general idea of how we play, so that he understands our game. You can’t play on your own, you have to look at your team-mates, take advantage of space and know how much effort you have to put in. But Mbaye is already in excellent physical and technical condition. And he should be an example to the other youngsters. At the club, if you work hard, you can find your place. He’s a hopeful.
