On Wednesday, in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League winners) will face Aston Villa (Europa League winners) at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “We aim to perform well.”
Are you mentally fresh for the season?
Of course. I was able to rest for practically the whole summer. We’re fresh again and happy to be back. We’ve already had two and a half weeks of training. We’re getting players back little by little, and tomorrow we start with a final. That means we did a good job last year. We aim to perform well.
Is the goal still to win the Champions League?
Of course. We have very ambitious goals and we’re continuing on that path. It’s a different scenario now. I think everyone believes we can win it again. But that’s the theory. We have to prove our level on the pitch. We’re aiming to win again. If you look at history, it’s rare to see a team that wins all the time. We aim to be in the mix.
Luis Enrique: “We’re preparing for the season intelligently, so we’re in the best possible shape at the end of the season.”
Is PSG ready right now? How are you managing this week?
I remember last year; it was a very unique situation. It’s the same thing now. It shows we did a good job. But in terms of preparation, managing the workload and minutes for each player is tricky. We’ll see tomorrow; we want to be at our best level. We’re preparing for the season intelligently so that we’re in peak condition at the end of the season, not the beginning. But we accept it, and we’re happy to be here.
A word on the opponent—a team you’ve faced before?
They’ve lost some key players, so it’s hard to tell what kind of team will take the field after the preseason. It’s important to play for a European trophy. We’ll see what kind of match both teams produce.
Luis Enrique: “We still need to be unpredictable.”
Memories of the 2025 Champions League quarter-final? A foundational success for what followed?
If we look at the last two years, every opponent has shown their true level against us, and we can see our own improvement in every knockout tie over the past two seasons. We are happy with what we’ve achieved and the way we play, but we still need to be unpredictable. That’s what we’re aiming for; it will be important throughout the season. We’re starting the season with the same mentality and the same desire to win trophies.
Ferran Torres to PSG?
I don’t talk about the transfer market.
Has Spanish football grown in importance?
Spanish football has been at the highest level for several years now, in terms of both players and coaches. We can be proud of that. I hope the national team wins more trophies.
A word on FIFA and Infantino?
I’m focused on my players, my team, and the transfer market! I have no comment on that; that’s a matter for politicians. I do have an opinion, of course, but this isn’t the place for it.
No pre-season wins and key players returning late—is it a difficult situation?
It’s a crazy situation; I only got players back very late. Almost everyone returned very late. It’s a situation we accept, and we’re preparing accordingly. It’s good that we’re here, because it means we won the Champions League. But as for our level tomorrow, it’s hard to say. It’s important to put on a good performance and try to win. It’s a final, but it’s a special match.
Luis Enrique: “I don’t want to talk about any individual player.”
Barcola is in the squad; is he on his way out?
We’re training today and analyzing all the factors that are important to us. Then, we’ll make a decision. I don’t want to talk about any player individually. That’s always risky.
How do you keep the players motivated?
I’m very lucky; I have incredible, motivated players—everyone is. That’s key. They don’t need any extra motivation. They feel that desire to play, that enjoyment. They always want to improve. I’m very fortunate to have these players.
