Luis Enrique, coach of Paris Saint-Germain (2nd), held a press conference this Thursday ahead of facing Lille (4th) at the Parc des Princes tomorrow (kick-off at 9 pm, CET) as part of Matchday 18 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. Following this event, the Spaniard also spoke to PSG TV.
Luis Enrique: “We’d like them to come back soon.”
Two players in the AFCON final, are you proud to see Hakimi and Mbaye there?
Honestly? I’m proud, really. Because it’s great to see the players in a final. But, at the same time, when the competition continues, you think about how much you’d like them to come back soon (laughs). I’m joking, it’s great to see that. Especially for Hakimi, after all his efforts. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner. But it’s positive for PSG and these national teams, of course.
Are they coming back soon?
There’s one match left, they’ll be back after the final.
Luis Enrique: “The team did everything necessary to win.”
Is it an advantage to play again quickly after being eliminated?
After a defeat, everyone wants to change that feeling. But I have to say, after analyzing the match, we have to be happy. The team did everything necessary to win. But sometimes the opposing goalkeeper is the best player on the pitch.
We did what was necessary to win, clearly. But you have to accept football. It’s magnificent because anything can happen. We have a very important match tomorrow against one of the best teams in the league. It will be a very good test.
Luis Enrique: “It will be a good test to see how we handle defeat.”
What strengths will we need to bring together tomorrow?
When you analyze Lille, they do a lot of things well with and without the ball. They have a lot of mobility, quality players. I think in the first leg we deserved better than a draw. Now, at home, it will be a good test to see how we handle defeat. It’s an opportunity to put in a great performance.
Is the Champions League coming up soon?
Yes, and so is the league. We’re motivated!
