On Friday, during Matchday 25 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Monaco (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “We’re looking for the best options, and you’ll see what I think.”
Does the match before the Champions League tell us anything about the next match? Does it give any clues?
It depends, especially on the opponent. In this case, it’s the same. Monaco was in the Champions League. It will be like a Champions League match.
Is it possible to play with the same players tomorrow and in the Champions League against Chelsea?
I have to do what’s best for the team. It’s the same for all coaches. We’re looking for the best options, and you’ll see what I think.
Luis Enrique: “We hope to see them and have them available for the upcoming matches.”
A different approach this time to be more relaxed against Monaco?
I can say what our mentality and our work will be. What the opponent does depends on many things; that’s a question for the Monaco coach. We’re going to try to play better, to improve, and to take the 3 points. We need the 3 points.
How is Dembélé doing? Do his recent injuries warrant more caution?
It’s always good news when you have players returning, like Mayulu and Dembélé. We’re happy. We hope to see them and have them available for the upcoming matches. As usual. It’s always special, but then you have to assess each player’s physical condition.
Luis Enrique: “Of course, we hope for even better things.”
Barcola has 9 goals this season, how do you see him in front of goal? Can he be compared to the Dembélé of 2025?
The first thing is that you shouldn’t compare players. Everything is different. Bradley has had a lot of playing time, he’s played very well, he can play in any attacking position. I’m happy with what I’ve seen. Of course, we hope for even better things.
Is PSG on track with what you want?
It depends. What I always try to focus on are the positive things surrounding the team. We’ve qualified for the Champions League and we’re top of the league despite the challenges. We know how important this month is to continue in the Champions League and stay at the top of the league. We’re where we want to be.
Luis Enrique: “It’s important for us to be able to work on tactical situations.”
The World Cup is on the players’ minds, can they rest? Is it possible to give them some rest?
Rest? So they’re fresh for the World Cup? (laughs). We shouldn’t make any statements about that. They’re very professional. I’m very happy in a World Cup year, I have a lot of confidence in my players. We’re thinking about the club, we’re focused, and we want to win the trophies we’re competing for. After that, we’ll wish the players a very good World Cup.
Is it important right now to have tactical training?
When you’re playing every three days, it’s difficult to prepare. There’s no time. But right now, especially this month, it’s important for us to be able to work on tactical situations, set pieces, throw-ins. There are a lot of things to improve, and we’re happy about that. It’s different from what we’ve experienced in the past.
Luis Enrique: “You often look for the physical aspect when it comes to problems, but the mental aspect is more important.”
Do the players need more rest or match fitness before the Champions League?
That needs to be assessed, and it depends on both the individual and collective performance. What I’ve seen is that we’re in very good physical condition. I’ve seen the stats without the ball; it’s incredible, top-notch. I’m happy. You often look for the physical aspect when it comes to problems, but the mental aspect is more important. I’m happy with what I’ve seen.
A match to take a 7-point lead and build confidence?
It’s different this season compared to recent years, and that’s because of Lens, who are having an incredible season. They deserve to be there, and it’s motivating for us. It motivates us to improve. It’s important to understand the importance of tomorrow’s match.
Luis Enrique: “It’s a privilege to have a player like him.”
Is there mental fatigue among the players?
No, there’s nothing to it. You’re always looking for problems, but there’s nothing. The players are in the same state as they were for the 5-0 victory against Marseille. I’m happy, I’ve analyzed everything. It’s normal, there are ups and downs in a season.
Is Zaire-Emery impressive?
I think we’ve talked about Warren a lot. He’s a true Parisian, not only for what he does on the pitch but also for his behavior in life. It’s a privilege to have a player like him; he has both technical and physical qualities. He’s a real pleasure to coach. He’s going to hold the press conference here, it would be perfect (laughs). He doesn’t talk as much, but he can come in my place if you want (smiles).
Luis Enrique: “We’re ready to play these matches; it will be very different from last summer.”
Having conceded four goals in two matches against Monaco, has the defensive aspect been the main focus these past few days?
Not only that, we’ve talked about many things. Monaco has a lot of individually talented players. They have players similar to us. They’re a difficult, complicated opponent. It’s hard to defend against them. We need to improve everything. Defensively, we’ve improved since last year.
A tense end to last season’s match against Chelsea—are they the team that has caused PSG the most mental headaches since your arrival?
No, what’s different is the competition. That final, several months ago, is nothing. What’s important is to prepare in the best possible way. They will be a difficult opponent. We’re ready to play these matches; it will be very different from last summer.
