On Tuesday, during Matchday 7 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (3rd) will face Sporting Lisbon (14th) at the Estádio José Alvalade (kick-off at 9 pm CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “The goal is to win tomorrow and practically secure qualification.”
In what areas do you want to regain that little something extra to reach last season’s level? Physically?
We’re in the crucial part of the season, getting players back from injury. It’s the best time of the season. We need to prepare well for the matches, to be focused. The last two matches are in the Champions League. Tomorrow, it will be in an exceptional, beautiful stadium.
We’ll be facing a Sporting team that’s difficult to play against. They like to have the ball, they defend well. It will be tough, perhaps similar to the match in Bilbao. We know how difficult the schedule is. But I’m happy. The goal is to win tomorrow and practically secure qualification.
Luis Enrique: “For me, last season was exceptional, even in the first half.”
Despite all the injuries, PSG’s best matches were in the Champions League? How do you explain that?
There’s no need to explain; there’s no better competition to showcase individual and collective skill. I can understand why players enjoy playing these kinds of matches. It’s normal. This team’s trajectory in this unusual season is the same as last year.
In terms of performance, for me, last season was exceptional, even in the first half. We lacked efficiency, but otherwise, it’s very similar. For me, that’s what’s important.
Luis Enrique: “He’s an example. I’m very happy to see Dembélé back at this level.”
Do you expect Dembélé to be the leader of the press?
Of course, just like he was last year and this season. I spoke after the last match; we had some difficulties in the first half, but it was better afterward. Ousmane is a leader on the pitch.
It’s great to see a player of this quality, as shown in both goals, demonstrating with every play that he’s ready to help the team, to press the defenders and the goalkeeper. He’s an example. I’m very happy to see Dembélé back at this level.
How important is it to secure a top-eight finish as quickly as possible?
To be honest, I think it’s important for the team and for our confidence to win tomorrow and get three points. But I don’t know if it’s the best thing. We wouldn’t have the playoffs, and we wouldn’t have the French Cup matches we had played. Of course, that’s the objective. But I’m not sure it’s the best thing. It’s contradictory, which is what I like about it (laughs).
Luis Enrique: “The most important thing is the values you can show people.”
Is it easy to work with your four Portuguese internationals?
I’m lucky to have them, and so is the sporting director. It’s very easy as a coach. They have the professional and personal qualities. They’re top-notch. It’s a real pleasure to have this level of professional players. I’m fortunate.
Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty in the AFCON final? Do you advise against this move?
We talked about it on the bus. Everyone’s talking about Brahim, but I remember Zidane, the footballing god, he scored a Panenka penalty in the World Cup final. Sergio Ramos did it too. When you score, everyone applauds. But when you miss, there are a lot of very negative opinions. I know this magnificent player. He’s an exceptional player, a very good person. It’s very unfair.
I understand it’s difficult, that it’s strange. But it’s a sport, nothing more. You can win, you can lose too. That’s all there is to it. It’s a sport. The most important thing is the values you can show people. We shouldn’t exaggerate. He’s not a bad person. It’s important that you journalists make it clear that this isn’t easy. It’s a difficult time, with a lot of pressure.
Luis Enrique: “If the match were a final, he could play.”
Will João Neves be out for a long time?
There are times in a season when there’s a minor issue. It’s nothing major. But we don’t want to take any risks with any player. If the match were a final, he could play. But we’re sticking to our mentality of not taking risks.
Have you spoken with Hakimi? Are you worried that he might be affected mentally? Will Mbaye have great energy?
That’s life. It’s like when a coach leaves because the club decides. Then another coach arrives. His family is very happy. The other one isn’t. But that’s life. There’s only one team that wins. It’s Senegal, we have to congratulate the champion. We also have to congratulate Morocco. Hakimi, there’s nothing to it. It’s my job to overcome that and to value what he does.
Luis Enrique: “Nuno Mendes is a different player physically and technically.”
Nuno Mendes is in top form, how do you explain that?
It’s normal to have ups and downs in a season. Nuno Mendes is a different player physically and technically. I faced him with Portugal, what a player! He’s very strong with and without the ball, with a strong mentality. It’s a real pleasure to have him.
Contacts with Sporting or just rumors?
Never! But I like the name, like Sporting Gijon. The jersey is very nice. I don’t know, maybe in the future. Who knows?
Luis Enrique: “I like their playing style, even against Bayern Munich there.”
What characteristics of Sporting have you identified?
We don’t really have time for tactical training, but we’ve analyzed video. We’ll talk about the aspects tomorrow. I really like this team, they work very hard, they’ve had very good results.
I like their playing style, even against Bayern Munich there. They’re a complete team, they know how to play very well with and without the ball. It will be very difficult. I hope we’ll be focused and motivated.
Is Portugal a contender for the World Cup?
Without a doubt. They’re one of the best teams, like Spain. But Portugal, with its individual talent, has been sending players and coaches abroad for a long time. It’s a team that remains a benchmark. They’re just missing a World Cup. I hope it will be Spain, otherwise I’d be happy if it were Portugal.
