On Saturday, as part of Matchday 22 of Ligue 1 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) take on Toulouse (10th) at the Stadium (kick-off 9.05pm, UTC+1). On the eve of the match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “I feel very lucky to have this group.
How do you deal with the calendar and matches that may be less expected?
I think that when you see the profile of our players, with their ability to compete in every match, I feel very lucky to have this group. I think they understand the importance of wearing the PSG shirt.
With so many goals scored recently, is this your team with the greatest attacking potential that you’ve had in Paris?
We’re in a very special, enjoyable moment. It’s not just one player who’s on form, but all the lines. It’s a joy and gives us even more energy for the future.
Luis Enrique “We’ll see at the end of the Club World Cup.”
Toulouse often change their pattern, so what match are you expecting?
They have difficulties at home, but coach Carles Martinez knows our style well and knows how to cause us problems. We didn’t beat his team last season; they even won at home, and they’re the only one in France. It’s sure to be a tough match against us. The home games we’ve played in the league this season have been difficult. We’ll have to overcome a very good team defense.
Is this the period at PSG when you’re enjoying yourself the most?
We give our grades at the end of the year. We’ll see after the Club World Cup. When things go well, we emphasize the positive. When things aren’t going so well, there’s more negativity. But we’re on a very good run.
Luis Enrique: “It depends on the match.
Neves adapted quickly, did you work on his forward projection or tempo management?
No, he arrived with these qualities. They were obvious in his former team. We knew he’d be an important player for us. He adapted very quickly. Like Beraldo last year. Whereas it usually takes longer. He has great qualities with the ball, but also in defense. That’s what we’re looking for in our players, and it’s very hard to find.
What do you ask of your players when they lose the ball?
I don’t have to ask anything anymore, they’ve already internalized it. We work on a positional game, with the desire not to lose the ball, and when we do, we have to press together. They’ve understood this idea. Now we’re working on different aspects and nuances. It depends on the match. Defending against Toulouse or Brest is different.
Luis Enrique “You have to adapt to the teammates, to the situations.”
With the succession of matches, how do you manage the energy-hungry part of your game? How do you keep your players fresh?
I think the first thing, the most important thing, is that they feel confident. That’s why I often change players. It’s better to have 15-16 players ready than 12. The more players in the dynamic, the better. The players have to have confidence. That’s our idea: players need to feel that by training they can get playing time.
Then, the idea is to be unpredictable for the opponent. You have to adapt to team-mates and situations. I like the way we play, the way the players interpret situations. And I think we can still improve.
Why do Spanish coaches export so well?
Yes, there are a lot of Spanish coaches and players all over the world. With a certain profile, there are quality, passionate players. There have been coaches who have paved the way, and we’re benefiting from that work. Soccer is universal. But every country has its own soccer profile.
There was Rafael Benitez, one of the first to be successful abroad. There’s also Pep Guardiola, who remains the best despite the current difficulties. As for us, we’re trying to improve the position of Spanish coaches.
Luis Enrique “The best thing I did was not to play him against Arsenal.”
What responsibility do you bear for Dembélé’s success?
The best thing I did was not to play him against Arsenal, when everyone criticized me. The rest was up to him and his team-mates. But my decision in London was important.
Do you plan to play with Kvaratkshelia, Barcola, Dembélé and Doué in important matches?
All matches are important. It depends on the opponent’s profile. We can play with 5 forwards. They can defend like midfielders. There are lots of possibilities. We’re definitely thinking about attacking.
You’ve said that you’re often at cross-purposes with your players. Are you managing to be negative with them at the moment?
No, not negative. But I’m often at cross-purposes, I’m comfortable.
Luis Enrique “I didn’t select him for the World Cup, that was a mistake.”
Ruiz has been criticized for a lack of impact, how do you work with him?
I’m very happy with his performance since last season. I know he’s had his moments when he’s not always appreciated. But he’s one of the best players in the middle of the park when it comes to playing alongside team-mates. He knows how to get in front of the goal, make decisive passes and position himself without the ball.
And let’s not forget that he was voted best player of the Euro. I didn’t select him for the World Cup, which was a mistake. He can improve, like everyone else, but you have to appreciate what he gives us. He always gives his all, and that’s very important for us.
Your opponents have been blown away by PSG’s level. Can you maintain it, or even take it to the next level?
Tomorrow is another opportunity to show what kind of team we are. Do we relax? Or do we still play every competition to the hilt? We can’t totally control the result, but I think the team will come up with a good answer.
Luis Enrique “We consider it very important for midfielders and forwards to be able to play well in different positions.”
What are the instructions for players to swap and use the right space?
I think that mobility and occupying space are problems for opponents. We can also press them better, which makes life even more difficult for them. This requires a certain profile of players, who are hard to find. We believe it’s very important for midfielders and forwards to be able to play well in different positions.
Today, we can see that Barcola can play in all attacking positions, as can Dembélé or Kvaratskhelia, while Doué and Lee can play in midfield or up front. We can make changes without changing the players.
