Nuno Mendes, left-back for Paris Saint-Germain and the Portuguese national team, has experienced a stop-and-go start to his career due to several injuries. In an interview with AFP, the 23-year-old discussed what has finally allowed him to play consistently since January 2023.
Nuno Mendes: “The club really helped me”
“How do you protect yourself from muscle injuries, after suffering several of them, including a serious one in 2023?”
“The medical staff are doing a great job. The club really helped me — they told me: you can go back to Portugal, do what you need to do, recover properly. Going back home to my family helped me a lot.”
The PSG full-back highlights one of the key changes under Luis Enrique’s management: a focus on patience and player well-being. No more rushing returns or pushing for comebacks “a day too early.” This philosophy — prioritizing health over urgency — has been a cornerstone of the Spaniard’s approach.
It also builds trust within the squad: players know that no one will be risked prematurely, and everyone has a chance to contribute when fully fit.
For Mendes, this careful handling has paid off. The defender has been able to gain rhythm, consistency, and confidence — essential for his development after an injury-plagued start. His story serves as a positive example of long-term management paying dividends, both for the player and the team.
