On Sunday, during Matchday 1 of the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain will face Rennes at the Roazhon Park (kick-off at 8:45 PM, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “The most important thing isn’t the language; it’s the quality as a player.”
The match against Rennes isn’t at the Parc des Princes; how do you adapt?
Just as usual. For us, it changes nothing regarding preparation. We always prepare to do the same thing, whether at home or away. We always want to be as competitive as possible. It doesn’t change the scenario, even if the stadium is different.
Why was it important to sign a player like Akliouche, who has ties to the Paris region?
That isn’t the primary factor to consider. But clearly, if you sign a French player, integration is easier. It’s the main language in the dressing room. Having multiple languages is common, but the most important thing isn’t the language; it’s the player’s quality—both physical and technical. We’ve done a great job in recent years and are still looking to improve the squad.
How does it change things to play with Digne or Hernandez instead of Mendes, who is suspended?
They are different players, even though they are all top-level. Nuno has the ability to attack and defend at a high level, and so do both Lucas [Digne and Hernandez], though they have different characteristics. I’m happy to have options.
You’re starting the season with four away games?
You have to adapt to the circumstances and the schedule. I’d prefer a different scenario, but that’s how it is. We have to adapt to things we can’t control. We’ll treat it as a challenge to keep performing well.
Luis Enrique: “The level will be higher than last year. There will be players left off the matchday squad, and that will feel unfair.”
Is there a guarantee of a good pitch soon?
We like attacking, attractive football, so we need the best possible pitch. That’s generally the case at the Parc des Princes.
Could both matches be played in Rennes?
I don’t know the specific rules, but there are principles. When starting a competition, there must be equality for all teams. That isn’t the case if both matches are played at the same stadium; you need one away game and one home game.
How does your team’s level compare to your expectations?
I don’t know; it’s hard to tell from just the first league match. But based on this week’s training sessions, I can say the level will be higher than last year. Some players will be left off the matchday squad, which will feel unfair. But that’s how it is; we want to be more competitive and prepared for injuries. That’s the reality for the players. The intensity during the week has improved.
Luis Enrique: “You have to know how to handle difficulties and provocations. The challenge is to keep improving.”
What do you want to change in the way you play? What is the challenge?
For me, everything can be changed. We want to improve training—every drill, every session—as well as our attacking and defensive play. We are a big target for opponents because we’ve won trophies. We have the ambition to keep winning, so we need to improve and focus on what we can do. You have to know how to handle difficulties and provocations. The challenge is to keep improving.
What does Mika Godts bring to the team? Is the transfer window closed regarding new signings?
It’s never truly closed; we remain open to possibilities right up to the last day. We’ve signed some great options to give us more depth and continue winning. That’s what drives us. I’m very happy with what we’ve done.
Is Mendes’s suspension harsh?
That doesn’t matter; what’s done is done. We have to realize there will be provocations and learn to handle them differently.
Luis Enrique: “Players need to feel that it will be difficult to be a starter every game.”
What is the status of João Neves?
He is ready. He had a minor issue, so we didn’t take any risks.
What do your new signings bring to the team’s game, beyond just a psychological boost or a breath of fresh air? Do they also create complications?
It is always complex when considering signing players to help the squad. A huge number of players want to join PSG, but finding the ones who actually improve the team is difficult. When you sign a player, they come from a different team. The level required in this environment is different; there is an element of the unknown. You have to allow time for adaptation.
I am very happy. Mika Godts is a top-level forward; he is only 21, can play anywhere, and has the right mentality—you can see his ambition when you speak with him. It is important that an incoming player realizes they are joining the two-time European champions and has the ambition to play. It is easier to make changes when you are losing, but you also need to know how to make changes when you are winning. Players need to feel that holding down a starting spot will be a challenge. We want to motivate them to play.
Luis Enrique: “We remain constantly open to what we can do and how we can improve.”
Is adaptation something you work on, or does it come naturally?
I don’t know; it depends on many factors. I’ve experienced the adaptation process myself during my career, and sometimes luck plays a part. We want players to adapt as quickly as possible, but it isn’t that easy. You have to be attentive and help the players who take a bit longer.
Are you interested in the evolution of football? Do you use AI? Are you open to changing your vision?
We are the evolution of football, clearly. We aim to capitalize on opportunities and perform well regardless of the opponent or what they do. If there’s space, we want to exploit it; if not, we still want to perform at a high level. We are always looking for information—anything that can improve the team. It’s fascinating. There are so many options; the challenge lies in identifying what is truly important. We remain constantly open to what we can do and how we can improve. You have to be brave enough to make changes.
