On Sunday, during Matchday 21 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Olympique de Marseille (3rd) 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.
Enrique: “We know the importance of tomorrow’s match.”
This season, in the two matches against Marseille, their attacking phases were better. Is there anything about their game that bothers you?
“What we can say is that OM has a very good team. Top individual quality and a very good coach. They have attacking quality and a desire to attack that I really like. This confirms that it will be difficult, just like in the last match. But we have quality and we know the importance of tomorrow’s match.”
We’re reaching the crucial moments of the season, what still needs improvement?
“We want to win every match, for all the players to be at 100% every match, but that’s impossible. This season we’ve faced various circumstances, but we’ve done the job well. We’re top of the table and the Champions League will soon begin its second phase. We want to improve, to be more precise, but that’s something every coach wants.”
Enrique: “It will be the same at the Parc des Princes, a fantastic, footballing atmosphere.”
This match is special for you and the fans, are you worried about any trouble in the stands?
“Every time we play this type of match, I remember the matches we played in Marseille, it’s always a different atmosphere. It will be the same at the Parc des Princes, a fantastic, footballing atmosphere. Obviously, I don’t want to see any violence. There will be tension, but enjoy it. Enjoy this match, enjoy PSG.”
Ousmane Dembélé has been inconsistent, how do you assess his progress?
“Whenever Ousmane is at 100%, he’s very consistent. The problem is that he’s had some injuries this season. We’ve managed the injury situation well by not taking any risks, but sometimes the schedule and fatigue are beyond our control. But every time he’s been at 100%, he’s been very good on the pitch.”
What’s your assessment of Matvei Safonov’s progress?
“To make a proper assessment, it’s best to wait until the end of the season. I’m very happy to have these three goalkeepers in the team. They’re different, but all ready to help the team.”
Enrique: “What they’re looking for is similar to what we want too.”
What did you take away from the two matches against Marseille this season?
“If we analyze the games, it was different because they played a bit more intensely in the Champions Trophy. In Marseille, they were more compact. But what they’re looking for is similar to what we want too. They’re very high in the standings, not far behind us. So they could be more ambitious this Sunday. For our part, we have to win to stay top.”
How do you assess Dro Fernandez’s integration? Is he close to playing his first minutes?
“Maybe, I can’t say who will play. Dro is a high-quality player. We signed him for five years, not two weeks. Every time you sign a player, and especially if they’re young, the maturation period is different. I’m happy with his mentality, but there’s no rush.” “When I see that he’s ready to help the team, there won’t be a problem.”
Quentin Ndjantou will have to undergo surgery. What can you tell us about that?
“Unfortunately, he’s recovered, but there’s this problem that needs to be addressed. It’s a problem for the team because he’s played so much. It’s very bad news for him. He has a lot of talent.”
Enrique: “We need to find the right words to motivate him.”
Does Achraf Hakimi have a special preparation plan after the AFCON?
“The first thing he needs to do is rest. The first thing for a player who played in the AFCON, who achieved a brilliant result, who played so much after an injury, is to rest. He needs to clear his head and take some time. Hakimi will definitely be a decisive player for us. He needs to be in the best possible condition.”
How do you manage the intensity both during a match and throughout a season?
“You have to find the right words to motivate. What’s clear to me, as a coach, is that the most important thing is also to focus on building strengths. Analyzing what needs to be improved based on where we are in the season.”
What type of team might Roberto De Zerbi field tomorrow?
“That’s a question you should ask Mr. De Zerbi. What I expect is a team that likes to have the ball. A team that attacks a lot. I like coaches with that mentality.”
