Lyon v PSG: Luis Enrique determined ahead of Lyon clash

Sunday , during the 12th day of Ligue 1 2025-2026 , Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Olympique Lyonnais (6th) at Groupama Stadium (kick-off at 8:45 PM , broadcast on Ligue1+ ) . On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.

Do you have solutions to replace Hakimi and Nuno Mendes?

"For me as a coach, it's a particular but positive moment. It's a path you have to go through. You have to accept every moment and try to be positive."

You said you were satisfied with not recruiting much during the last transfer window, is that still the case?

"We are always open during the transfer windows. But today it's not a concern. When we plan, we think about the positives and negatives. There are injuries, but that happens to all teams. We are calm and open. You always focus on controversies, but we have confidence in our players."

You say we must see the positive, apart from the ranking in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, what is positive?

"We are first in the championship and in the Champions League. Can we aspire to more positive things? I know you want us to win matches 5-0, to already be champions, but it doesn't happen like that. We can improve, but there is no concern. We are first in the championship and well-ranked in the Champions League, there is no concern."

You explained to us that after the victory in the Champions League, many players had matured. Have you noticed this after the defeat against Bayern Munich?

"It's difficult. I like to see the players' response after a match like that. If I analyze how they behave after the match and during training, I am very calm. Tomorrow will be the opportunity to show that we are a real team."

Do you plan to call up David Boli to make up for Hakimi's absence?

"Of course, he will be in the group traveling to Lyon. But we need to be calm and composed. He has trained with us for the last week. There are several possibilities, but it's a moment to give playing time to these players."

How did you feel about the group after Bayern Munich and what was your message?

"What I saw was a feeling of pain. What happens every time you lose. Now I am honest with my players and the team. I must say there were more positive things than I thought. But the small details are important. We made some mistakes, some gifts, and inevitably in these conditions, you lose. The difference between the two teams is small, everything is played on details."

This Sunday evening the referees will be equipped with cameras, what do you think?

"It doesn't change anything for me. I try to focus on what is important for us, but it's good. Every time we can improve football, it's good to do it, to try new things."

Tomorrow is the last match before the international break, what is your assessment since the last break?

"The assessment I can make is that I am satisfied. I like having difficulties. We need to be more attentive, more prepared. I like, I wait, and I hope to get my team back to full strength. But in the meantime, the assessment will be at the end of the season, even though I find this last month very positive."

Warren Zaïre-Emery is coming back strong, how did you support him during this less favorable period?

"It all depends on confidence. He has been important for the team and for me. He is a very different player because he always shows his qualities. It's a great pleasure to have a player like him. He is a true leader by example, it shows how a player must maintain his personality even when things are not positive. As a coach, it's important for me to have players at their best level. Warren has been a clear example of what a professional player should be."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.