On Saturday, during Matchday 3 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain (3rd) will face Toulouse (2nd) at the Stadium (kick-off at 9:05 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, Paris coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “If I see it’s the same thing, it might be because the computer button isn’t working.”
Last year, you complained about a very difficult draw in the Champions League. What’s your opinion this time?
What’s your opinion? It’s the same, difficult. In my opinion, to truly analyze it, I have to wait until next year. If I see it’s the same thing, it might be because the computer button isn’t working (laughs).
This new competition format is attractive for some teams, but the 36 teams have very different schedules, and that’s an important condition for finishing in the top 8. With our schedule, it will be difficult; it’s normal to drop points. Our opponents are of a high standard.
Is the goal to be in the top 8?
I don’t know the goal. But with this schedule, last year we had a very good Champions League, but when you play against Bayern Munich or FC Barcelona, you can drop points. There aren’t any “easy” matches in our schedule.
We’ve drawn some of the best teams in almost every pot, except pot 2. I think it’s difficult to win every match to be in the top 8. We can do it, of course. But it will be very difficult. That’s the competition; you have to accept this draw.
Luis Enrique: “He has to continue like this; he’s an example of what a PSG player should be.” »
Warren Zaïre-Emery hasn’t been called up to the French national team. How can we keep him under pressure when he’s no longer a starter? We need to remotivate him?
When you have a player like Zaïre-Emery, it’s a real pleasure. He’s an incredible player, with a top-notch attitude and level. He must continue doing what he’s doing, and strive to play more. He has quality. He has been, is, and will be a very important player.
During a player’s career, it’s normal to have ups and downs. You can be at a high level and play a little less. He must continue like this; he’s an example of what a PSG player should be.
Luis Enrique: “I hope, because it’s the best for him, that we can find a solution.”
How are things going with Donnarumma? Can he stay?
I don’t know. It depends on the transfer window, the player, the agent, the other clubs. I hope, because it’s the best for him, that we can find a solution.
Bayern and Barça in the Champions League, what’s the feeling?
It’s both positive and negative. It’s nice to be back in Barcelona, my home, and it’s a beautiful game. But at the same time, if I have to speak from my heart, with the pain of playing against the club that helped me the most, I’m not happy with this match. It’s complicated.
Luis Enrique: “The goal is to win the Champions League.”
Angers and Nantes played very low. Is there a difference compared to last year? Do the teams fear you even more?
Maybe… but I remember last year having the same feeling. Especially against teams in the middle of the table. It’s normal, we’re used to it. This is the most difficult phase of the game; there’s little space, no time to finish. But we have to be ready for all types of matches.
Which team should we be particularly wary of in the Champions League?
No team, and all teams. We’ll play eight matches, four at home and four away. In the end, we need to get the points to qualify. I have no intention of focusing on just one team. This isn’t the competition. The real competition starts in the knockout rounds; the goal is to be there. I don’t know if it’ll be the long or short route. The goal is to win the Champions League. If it were easy, everyone would do it. We know it’s difficult.
How is Kvaratshkelia?
Perfect, like me, perfect (smiles).
Luis Enrique: “It’s not a good idea to always sign 4-5 players.”
Does having a tough Champions League draw also help us better prepare for what comes next?
Perhaps. There are always positives and negatives. It’s common for us to have such a tight draw. We have to accept it. But I think that with more time, we’ll be able to better see whether it’s positive or negative. In any case, it’s different. It’s a unique concept, with 36 different fixtures. I hope to be able to talk about it again next year.
Few signings, because you rely on the youth system?
Of course. It’s not a good idea to always sign 4-5 players. We have to trust the young players who have been signed and those at the youth system. Maybe they’re not consistent, but we have to manage that to face a season.
Every year is different and presents new situations. We’re happy with the squad we have. We always want to improve it, we’re thinking about changes. But it’s important to value our players.
Luis Enrique: “He’s an important player. We trust him.”
Are you satisfied with Mbaye’s progress?
I’m very happy to have him; I’ve seen his improvement. In the U19s, as with us. He trains with all the players. He’s one of the players we have high expectations for. He needs time. We’re happy with his qualities, and he’s an important player. We trust him.
A word about Toulouse? What match are you expecting?
It’s always the same, especially away from home. It’ll be complicated; it’s never easy away from home. But we’re thinking about knowing how to handle high pressure, but especially against a deep block. They’re in a very good moment, with two wins. Carles Marinez is a top-level coach; he’s looking to play very good football. We are ready for challenges. We need to win, we want to continue on our path.
