On Friday, during Matchday 18 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Lille (4th) 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: “Do you think we’re going to win every trophy and every match? Football doesn’t work like that.”
Is tomorrow a pivotal moment for the season, a chance to show that PSG is on the right track despite the elimination?
Honestly, I don’t think so. If there are doubts about our team… I can accept that there are doubts, but I don’t understand them. What’s the problem? Do you think we’re going to win every trophy and every match? Football doesn’t work like that.
We need to value what we’ve done. I have no doubt about the type of team we are, our style of play. We’re going to play against Lille, we know how difficult it is. Every match against them, home and away.
Tomorrow, we have to show that we’re the same team as last season, at the beginning and at the end. In the way we handle situations. We play well, less well, it depends on the match. If there are doubts, I don’t understand. But it’s not important.
Luis Enrique: “Efficiency and the goalkeeper did a lot to prevent us from winning.”
Barcola creates opportunities, but has a problem with finishing. Can this be improved? Is it a serious issue or not?
You have to be careful what I say. When I talk about each player improving, all the players can improve. I have no problem with any player. But they know, because I always say it, that it’s important to know who they are, to know the areas for improvement. Of course, efficiency and the goalkeeper did a lot to prevent us from winning. These are things we can improve.
Luis Enrique: “This leads us to manage training and playing time differently.”
Last season, the midfield was the foundation. What’s your take on their performances in recent weeks? Are they at the same level or below? In February, you might have fewer matches. Will you use that time for physical preparation?
I think this season has been unusual. Not just for the midfielders, but also for the defenders and forwards. I can’t say if it’s the same level. We’ve had to manage playing time and matches for the injured players so that we can get the results I’d like. That’s the case for all positions.
It’s true, we’re in a different situation. We’ll have four fewer cup matches, and I hope two fewer in the Champions League if we finish in the top eight. This means we have to manage training and playing time differently.
We’re more used to playing a lot of matches; it’s easier with fewer. Playing a lot of matches increases your physical condition. But there’s a greater risk of injury. It’s a change, we’re used to it.
Rolland Courbis would have liked a (temporary) orange card in football. Would you have liked that?
I learned of his passing; it’s always difficult. My condolences to his family. For me, I think it’s important for a sport to evolve. When there are opportunities to improve and strive for a more attacking, more beautiful style of football for those who love it, we must continue to explore these avenues.
Platini spoke about playing with only 10 players instead of 11. These are things to analyze. We need to see the impact. But I’m always open to trying different things and seeing the outcome.
Luis Enrique: “We’re open to taking advantage of opportunities.”
Is facing Lille a good thing to kickstart a positive run?
That’s the challenge, we have to accept it. They’re a very good team. They play well with and without the ball. We’ve struggled against them every time. We know it will be difficult. We have to be ready, win the match, we want to improve our position in the league.
More injuries for this match, are you tempted to make some signings this winter?
The transfer window? Of course, we’re open. But it’s not about losing, it’s about being open all the time. We’re open to taking advantage of opportunities. But what I’ve seen is very positive. We’re open to all possibilities, without rushing.
Luis Enrique: “One of the two will come back frustrated.”
Hakimi and Mbaye are in the AFCON final with Morocco and Senegal, were you able to congratulate them? Do you have a prediction?
No, I don’t send messages. They’re already tired enough of seeing me (smiles). I’m very happy for both of them. They deserved it. I hope they enjoy the final. It’s not easy to play. One of them will come back frustrated. It’s impossible for everyone to be happy. I wish them all the best, we’ll see. They’ll be back very soon.
What effect did the elimination have on the group? Could it be an extra source of motivation?
The line between defeat and victory is very thin. It’s important to know that you deserve to win the match. No one can say otherwise. We clearly deserved it. With a lot of bad luck, you draw. And, in a small proportion, you lose. That’s how it is; you wish the best to your opponent in the competition.
You have to accept that football is. This will be motivation for facing Ligue 1 and the Champions League, the most important competitions. Even though the Coupe de France is wonderful and we love it. It’s a shame to be eliminated.
Luis Enrique: “I don’t remember the last tactical training session.”
Are the attackers too individualistic?
We had 25 shots, there were various opportunities. The goalkeeper was incredible, he deserves a lot of credit. We were able to shoot in several situations, we put in crosses, we did everything to win the match. There are matches where that’s not possible, and we have to keep going.
How do you work on your off-the-ball movement?
I don’t remember the last tactical training session. Playing every three days, it’s impossible. In the coming months, we’ll work on that, on the pitch. We do a lot of video analysis on tactics and defense. Everyone knows how we press. I’m sure we can still improve.
But it’s very effective, I’m very happy. In the last match, they only threatened our goal once or twice per half. It’s great defensive work and it shows the mentality of our team.
