Paris Saint-Germain defeated Toulouse 3-1 this Friday at the Parc des Princes in Matchday 28 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. After the match, PSG coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “This is important for the league to keep putting pressure on Lens.”
Was this the ideal preparation for Liverpool tonight?
The ideal preparation is knowing how to manage this type of match. Fridays after the international break are always difficult. We showed the level of team we are and the players’ ability to play in different positions. This is very important because we needed the three points, and these are tricky matches. I’m very happy with what I saw.
We deserved to win this match; we created a lot of chances. It was difficult because they defended very well. They scored their goal from a set piece, which complicated things a bit, but I’ll say it again, I think we deserved these 3 points. It’s important for the league to keep the pressure on Lens.
Luis Enrique: “Always help the players or try to help the players.”
What’s the message for Safonov before the Champions League, given the importance of confidence?
What we have to do, what we believe, is always help the players or try to help the players. It’s normal, it’s not a problem. A goalkeeper is a player, just like a midfielder, a defender, a striker.
There are moments or situations where you can make mistakes. Because that’s normal in football. But I’m happy with what I saw in all positions. We knew before the match how difficult it would be.
I want to highlight Beraldo, who played in a new position and played very well for me. He was in a different position, but he played with one or two touches very well; he kept the game going.
Luis Enrique said, “He showed me that I’m clearly missing something.”
We also saw Désiré Doué, who is a striker, show sacrifice; he played very well. He showed me, as well as the national team coach, that he plays very well in midfield. I also want to highlight Gonçalo Ramos. He played five minutes and he played very well; he showed me that I’m clearly missing something. He deserves to play many more minutes.
Can Lucas Chevalier hope to play again this season?
I was very happy to see him with the national team. Having confidence in a goalkeeper like Lucas Chevalier is important. It’s something I like. If you think I’ve been here for many years because there are people who can influence me, you’re clearly mistaken (smiles). I say the opposite, I love it. Like all Asturians.
Luis Enrique: “It’s always beautiful to watch a player like Ousmane Dembélé play.”
After 4 consecutive wins, has PSG found its rhythm, especially mentally?
We showed today, and we’ve shown for a long time now, that we’re ready for all competitions. We can improve things, that’s clear. But we’re competitive. The important thing for me is to give the players rest. Almost all the players were with their national teams, which represents a lot of travel and playing time. They need rest, days to enjoy themselves and think about what’s coming. It’s the Champions League and we’re very happy.
A word on Dembélé’s match? Was his first goal the best of the season?
For me, all goals are beautiful. Yesterday, as usual, we did a shooting drill, and he was incredible. And I thought to myself, he was showing that… He showed that he’s a Ballon d’Or winner. We love Ousmane. He was able to play 90 minutes, which is important for his physical condition. We’re very happy; it’s always great to see a player like Ousmane Dembélé play.
Luis Enrique: “He also deserves to play.”
Is Beraldo in midfield the new magic bullet?
It’s the same as with Gonçalo; he’s played very little at center-back, but he’s shown all year that he has the level. He’s continued to train very positively. This is his second match in midfield, and I saw that he has the level, the ability to provide continuity, to make very good passes. He defends and attacks very well. I’m delighted to see such a player. He deserves to play.
Is Mendes playing in attack to prepare for the Champions League or to find versatility?
Perhaps. I’m not going to give Arne Slot any hints or solutions, that’s clear. But it’s clear they’ve watched all our matches. Mendes is very versatile, very different. He can play full-back, winger, midfielder, as a number 9. He’s a player who played 25 minutes and made runs that made a difference with his speed. He’s a very important player. We’ll see. The important thing is that he’s on the pitch.
The racist chants in Spain during the international break?
I haven’t seen the national team matches. I can’t
