On Monday, during the 8th matchday of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Olympique Lyonnais (1st) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:30 PM,CET). On the eve of this encounter, PSG head coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “After overcoming this injury, there will be positive things to come.”
How did you react to Kvaratskhelia’s injury?
“Unfortunately, we knew right after the match that it was a significant injury. It’s tough. You naturally think about the player and what he’s going to go through. If you want to play as a professional for 15 years, you’re bound to face difficult moments. Once he gets past this injury, there will be positive things ahead. We are keeping a close eye on what he needs.”
What is your take on Zabarnyi’s progress?
“We have a lot of confidence in him. Every player goes through different situations. We trust him. He is a very young player of a very high caliber. He will continue to improve. It’s not easy to join a team at this level, but for me, he is competitive. I’m very happy with what I see when he plays.”
Luis Enrique: “We remain open to all possibilities.”
Are you looking to make any new signings following Kvaratskhelia’s injury?
“No. An injury doesn’t automatically mean you need to bring in new players. We remain open to all possibilities if we feel it’s necessary, but under these circumstances—no.”
How did you react to the postponement of the match, and will you be checking the Ballon d’Or results after the game? “No. That doesn’t interest me. I’m staying focused on the match. If we have to play on Monday, then we play on Monday. We just need to show who we are.”
Will the injuries to Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Marquinhos affect how you manage the team?
“It will be the same as usual. I don’t want to change anything. To be unpredictable, you always have to adapt to every circumstance. I’m very happy with what I’m seeing. It’s true that losing three players in the same match is unusual—but it serves as motivation for the team. We always want to improve.”
Luis Enrique: “He will be back, I have no doubt. Even stronger.”
What did you say to Kvaratskhelia after his injury?
“It’s very difficult after news like this. But we have experience. We know the risks involved in being a professional player. There are positive aspects, but also negative ones that one must accept. You have to overcome this challenge. Once he’s had the surgery, we’ll see what his condition is. But he will be back—I have no doubt. Even stronger.”
How important is the match against Lyon?
“We’ve shown our ability to improve in this league. Three weeks ago, we were far from the top of the table, and this Monday, we have the chance to take the lead. Playing against a team like Lyon is a great motivation.”
Could the absence of players like Dembélé allow Désiré Doué to take on more responsibility within the team?
“No, please—that’s just what you’re looking for. Fortunately, Doué is an intelligent player. He knows what he needs to do: simply give his best in every match, regardless of whether one, two, three, or four players are missing. He doesn’t need to do anything extraordinary—just what he already knows how to do. What matters is that the team overcomes this through the collective mentality of all the players.”
On Sunday, the players will wear a ribbon for ‘Pink October’ (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). What more can you contribute to this cause?
“It’s important to demonstrate our commitment every single day. The club is always looking for ways to help. As a team, we try to share in the hardship and offer our support. We want to highlight this cause; it’s a very positive gesture.”
