On Saturday, during Matchday 6 of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) will face Le Mans (9th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “Players aren’t machines”
Kvaratskhelia had a vacation and a pre-season, yet it seems to be taking him some time to get up to speed. Is there an explanation? Will the upcoming period allow him to kickstart his season?
You are, as usual, concerned with very mundane football matters—whether a player is performing better or worse than usual, or whether they are in form or not. I understand that. I focus on the important things. Kvaratskhelia has demonstrated his quality since arriving here. I am very happy to have him. Players aren’t machines; they are human beings. It’s normal to have ups and downs. It’s nothing to worry about.
Luis Enrique: “You have to get used to it; that’s how it’s going to be this season.”
Why is Dembélé being rested? What is your assessment of his time with the French national team—which was somewhat average?
I disagree; he was brilliant. He is a unique player. It’s well worth the price of a ticket to see Dembélé play in a stadium. He always wants to show what he can do, take shots, and link up with his teammates. He was excellent.
Then, after the international break, we consider each player individually. We decided that Nuno and Ousmane needed to rest with an eye on our upcoming league and Champions League matches. It’s normal. You have to get used to it; that’s how it’s going to be this season.
Luis Enrique: “We don’t know how long it takes to settle in.”
Is the squad ready, or is more time needed—psychologically and mentally?
For the psychological side, there’s Joaquin Valdès—let me introduce him to you. Personally, I don’t know. When we win, we’re considered unbeatable. If we start with a few draws, we’re seen as a disaster. You always take things to extremes. I’m trying to strike the right balance.
How do you help a player who is struggling to settle in?
It depends on many factors beyond our control. There is no telling how long it takes to feel comfortable. That said, the team’s momentum plays a role in helping players settle in and feel at ease more quickly. I can analyze the training sessions; I’m very pleased—the standard is higher than last year. Ultimately, though, match play will reveal our true level.
What impact does this long break have?
It’s hard to say. It was longer than usual. It’s the same for every club and every player. I can’t really judge it; I prefer to look at the positives. It’s important for national team coaches. Now, the returning players need to get back in sync as quickly as possible.
Luis Enrique: “There are no easy matches, especially not after an international break.”
What do you expect from this match? Is it a chance for some players to prove themselves?
As a coach, you always want to show that you are a team with more than just 11 players. We remember Le Mans from the Coupe de France match. They showed their quality; they are brave and comfortable on the ball. We’ll need to be very alert. It will be tough. There are no easy matches, especially not after an international break.
What is your take on Videira?
I remember the Coupe de France match very well. You have to appreciate their consistency. They are a genuine team that plays good football and is already getting results. For us, we get to play this second match at the Parc des Princes. We are far from where we want to be in the standings; we need to overcome the challenges and aim for the three points.
Is this a pivotal period of the season? Do you expect much more from your players?
No, not really. From what I’ve seen early in the season, we deserve more points. I’m the first to be critical, but we do deserve more points. However, things tend to even out over the course of a season. In the end, we’ll get the points we deserve. In the Champions League, it’s still early days. We need results—for confidence and points—but it feels strange to label this specific month as a “key moment.”
Luis Enrique: “That passion is hard to manage.”
Are there similarities between the way PSG and the French national team play?
I don’t know. What I’ve seen are sound ideas for achieving victory: possession, pressing, and so on. That’s the right approach for building a team. But it’s very difficult to implement at the international level when you have so little time. But the players’ performance level was very positive; the result speaks for itself.
Did you enjoy the break? What did you do?
Nobody is interested in what I do. I worked; I stayed in touch with Luis Campos and my staff. A coach never stops preparing or thinking about what can be improved. Sometimes you can’t sleep because you’re thinking about what Le Mans will do, or what we can do. That passion is hard to manage—at least for me.
Luis Enrique: “It’s a difficult mindset to have. I’m happy to know he’s ready.”
What is your take on Godts’ matches with Belgium? How is he progressing toward becoming a starter in Paris?
He wasn’t at the World Cup, but he started this time. He showed the qualities we already know. It’s important to have the composure and calm to handle this stage of his career. He showed personality. I liked the way he played.
Is Doué gaining momentum? Can he beat out the competition?
As always, he’s a machine. He plays football very well. Even if there are matches where he’s less precise—but that’s true for every player. What interests me is what he shows, his ability to always be ready for the match. If he’s on the bench, he’s ready. That’s a difficult mindset to have. I’m happy to know he’s ready.
Luis Enrique: “It’s tough for the ‘Titis’ [academy graduates].”
A potential trap game tomorrow?
Every match this season is a potential trap game. Especially after an international break. That applies to everyone; it’s no excuse. There will be challenges tomorrow, and we have to be ready. If you play and are prepared to overcome those challenges, you have a better chance than if you think it’s going to be easy. We need to be fully focused to win.
Are there fewer technical players in football these days? Can you have players who are both technical and team-oriented?
I think we clearly demonstrate that, and there are other teams that do too. We are always looking for technical, physical, and mental talent. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the best possible performance. The key is recruiting talented players.
Luis Enrique: “We’re motivated; it’s an exciting challenge.”
What advice would you give young players looking to reach the professional level?
Tactically? None. When a player arrives, he has to understand what we do. Gradually, they grasp the way we attack and defend. Then there is technical improvement—the ability to use both feet. If you have the technique, you can adapt to the various demands placed on you. But it’s tough for the academy players, because it’s a long road to the first team. We want to improve that connection, but only when the players are ready. If they aren’t, it’s hard to perform well.
Resilience was the watchword last year; is competition the theme this season?
Resilience was key; we’ll see about this season. We’re starting differently. We’re motivated; it’s an exciting challenge. We’ll see what the defining word is in a few months. But you have to stay calm—relatively speaking.
