On Friday, during Matchday 22 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Rennes (6th) at Roazhon Park (kick-off at 7 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “People think there’s money, that it’s easy.”
Does the team need more rest or more work?
It depends, on the schedule and many other things. We only had three weeks of vacation after an endless season. So, it depends. For me, it’s important to have the days we need to work. We also have to try to manage the pressure, the stress that’s always present on a top-level team, and that comes from rest.
It allows us to enjoy coming to training, to be happy with what we do. People think there’s money, that it’s easy. But there are other important things. Rest is one of them.
Luis Enrique: “The player is improving, he’s training, but not with the group.”
Nuno Mendes, the perfect player?
I don’t know if there’s a perfect player. I don’t think so. But surely, if there’s a player with many different qualities in terms of physicality, technique, and personality, Nuno would probably be close. But there’s no such thing as a perfect player.
What’s Fabian Ruiz’s injury? Is he close to returning?
I don’t know when he’ll be back, but he’s improving his recovery. There are different aspects to consider. Some injuries heal very quickly, others don’t. This one is a little slower than usual. The player is improving; he’s training, but not with the group.
Luis Enrique: “Two weeks ago, you were telling me he was very inconsistent. Now you’re changing your tune.”
Has Dembélé improved compared to last season? Has his game changed?
No, I think he’s the same as last year and two years ago. Two weeks ago, you were telling me he was very inconsistent. Now you’re changing your tune, and he’s very consistent. But no. He’s a brilliant player, with so many qualities. When he gets consistent playing time, he can really shine. We’re happy to have a player of his caliber.
Luis Enrique: “When he’s not here, I don’t know who’s going to speak up.”
Marquinhos is performing very well, even though it seemed possible he might lose playing time. Does his longevity surprise you?
No, there’s no surprise. He’s a player everyone knows. He’s the captain, the leader in the dressing room. That’s important. When he’s not here, I don’t know who will speak up, motivate the players. He’s a true leader, I’m very happy to have him. He’s always performed well since I’ve been here. I’m very happy to have him, it’s very positive.
Dembélé said PSG is back?
You know what my opinion is on the performances this season. If we’re back, that’s wonderful because it’s the best part of the season. The important thing is to win the next match tomorrow. It’s not easy, away from home. But we have to keep putting pressure on Lens and Lyon. That’s our job, our objective.
Luis Enrique: “The important thing is that he’s back and he can play.”
Is Hakim back to 100%?
To know if a player is at 100%, you have to watch different matches. The performance in each match is important. It’s normal to have ups and downs; we’re used to it. The important thing is that he’s back and he can play.
Habib Beye was sacked at Rennes. What’s your opinion?
I’m not going to talk about it; he’s not the Rennes coach. This has already happened in recent seasons, with a change of coach. You have to pay attention to see if there are any changes. You have to be ready to analyze during the match. We’re used to this, and it’s important to be ready to overcome it.
Luis Enrique: “I don’t agree with you.”
Zabarnyi has been playing a bit less lately, why is he struggling?
I don’t agree with you. I know, you said a month ago that you know how difficult it is to adapt. I’m not worried about anyone. It’s difficult to adapt very quickly here. I’m very happy with the new signings. We can normally give them playing time, but it’s more difficult now with the elimination from the Coupe de France.
This is the key moment of the season, we need all the players and they have to be ready. I don’t know when, I hope there will be opportunities for everyone. That’s life in a top-level team.
Luis Enrique: “We’ve shown this season the ability to overcome injuries.”
Could Dro start against Rennes?
Of course, we’re open to using the players we have in the squad. Now is the time, we like to hold training sessions to see if the players are ready. Competition is more important than training, but it’s a special time. Injuries are an opportunity to see the players. We’ve shown this season the ability to overcome injuries.
Does PSG know how to accelerate at the right time in the season?
This is the most important time of the season; this is when trophies are decided. Then there’s the World Cup. We’ve been looking to improve as a team. We’re still working on it, to defend better, attack better, and have all the players available. I hope that this season we’ll have a moment with all the players to be stronger.
Luis Enrique: “I’m always looking for things that can improve the team.”
Is there a hierarchy in the goalkeeper position?
You can see what I think by what I do, by my choices. We have to continue with what we believe as a staff, doing the best for the team. You’ve seen the changes. We’re open to anything to improve the team. There’s no hierarchy. That doesn’t worry me. I’m always looking for things that can improve the team.
