On Tuesday, during Matchday 4 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Bayern Munich (2nd) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “It’s an attractive and motivating match for both teams.”
Will tomorrow’s result reveal which team is currently the best?
To know that, we’ll have to wait until the end of the season. That will determine which team is the best in Europe. We need to know how many trophies each team wins. Right now, it’s clear they are very strong. They’ve won their last 15 matches. We know how difficult the match will be, and we are ready and motivated to win it.
At the Club World Cup, it was very intense: how can we avoid red cards this time?
There will be situations similar to last time, with a lot of intensity and the same playing principles. It’s an attractive and motivating match for both teams.
You’ve seen Bayern’s progress, what stands out? Are you impressed by their tactical work?
If we’re talking about results, it’s incredible. We know how difficult it is to win 3-4 consecutive matches. Fifteen matches is incredible. It’s a lot of credit. But for tomorrow, at the Parc des Princes, with our fans, with that atmosphere at every match, we have the confidence to try and improve our performance and overcome their pressure. I think it will be a match like this summer.
Luis Enrique: “He’ll play, of course. He’s ready for the competition. Tomorrow, we’ll decide how long.”
Can Ousmane Dembélé start?
No risk, with any player. But Ousmane is in good shape. He’s done all the training sessions these last two weeks, he’s played. He’s improving his fitness. He’ll play, of course. He’s ready for the competition. Tomorrow, we’ll decide how long.
How do you stop Bayern from scoring?
Our approach hasn’t changed. If we only consider the three Champions League matches, they’ve scored one less goal than us. That’s the positive takeaway from this press conference. You’ll have to ask them how they’re going to stop the team that’s scored one more goal (laughs). I’m joking, we’ll need a great performance both defensively and offensively to win.
Luis Enrique: “He’s a true leader, I’m very happy to have him and I hope he stays for a long time.” “
How do you choose the captain? What is Marquinhos like as captain?
The players choose the captain. It’s up to them to answer. But I think that with Marquinhos, we saw that everyone celebrated their captain after the Champions League victory. There’s no doubt about Marquinhos’ level, and he’s a wonderful person. He’s a true leader, I’m very happy to have him, and I hope he stays for a long time.
The match isn’t decisive, it’s more of a test?
Do we need to evaluate our team? I don’t think so. We deserve to have a bit of confidence. It’s important to win tomorrow, for the three points, because of our draw, which is the worst in the competition, but because we want to be competitive in every match. It’s important to enjoy this with our fans.
Luis Enrique: ‘Bayern won’t change their style of play. Neither will we.’
How decisive, or important, is this match?”
All matches are important, but I think our schedule is very intense and difficult. We need to start picking up points as soon as possible. We’ve done it in three matches, and we want to do the same tomorrow.
What are the key points for tomorrow?
It’s obvious that this kind of match will be evenly matched. Bayern won’t change their style of play. Neither will we, and we might even do more because we’ll be at home. I think we can overcome their pressing and hurt them. They can also strike hard. There won’t be a huge difference. There are details, that’s what football is all about, and you have to control them. Whoever can do that will make the difference. These are two teams that play their game to the fullest. I hope the fans have a great time.
Luis Enrique: “You have to know how to do things differently.”
How do you stay unpredictable?
You have to change a lot of things. If you always do the same thing, then the opponent will adapt. You have to know how to do things in different ways. We’re used to it. It’s a condition that’s part of who we are. It’s important to reach the same goal, but in a different way. I’m confident, even if we can improve. I’m happy with what I see, with our approach.
What do you like about Mayulu?
He’s a very important player for us, not only for his technical and physical qualities, but also for his mentality and his ability to play in different positions. That allows us to change things. He’s still improving. I’m very happy with what I see from him, as are Zaïre-Emery and other players in the youth academy.
Luis Enrique: “I’m excited to have a player like him in the team.”
How can the determination shown against Nice be useful tomorrow?
It’s clear that you can build on that. We’ll look to improve in every important phase, especially in creating chances and pressing high up the pitch. The team that demonstrates the most quality in these phases will dominate slightly more than the other.
A word on Ndjantou?
He’s very strong, very surprising with his qualities and personality. I hope he continues to improve; he’s ready to help the team. I’m excited to have a player like him on the team.
