Luis Enrique has turned him into a beast, Nuno Mendes reveals his secret

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·27. Oktober 2025

Luis Enrique has turned him into a beast, Nuno Mendes reveals his secret

Nuno Mendes was surrounded by doubts when he signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 from Sporting Portugal, and then coach Luis Enrique (who arrived in 2023) was criticized when he placed him in a more defensive role, almost as a central defender. The 23-year-old Portuguese full-back spoke this Monday to the AFP about his evolution, not forgetting to thank the Parisian coach.

Nuno Mendes: "It's something Luis Enrique brought us"

You were initially confined to defense, but are much freer now, why this evolution? At first, I wasn't very strong in defense. Attacking with speed, I knew how to do that. Luis Enrique noticed this, he helped me a lot defensively, and today I feel good. I try to balance the attacks, rest a bit when needed. The coach did a good job, and not just for me. (Versatility) is something that Luis Enrique brought us and that we will keep for life, even if he leaves or if we leave.

Nuno Mendes: "He told me: you need to defend better and then I'll give you the freedom to attack."

So is it Luis Enrique who transformed you? It also comes from me, knowing what I can do to improve, but he brought me a lot. Before, in one-on-one defense, it was a bit difficult because I only thought about attacking. But he told me: you need to defend better and then I'll give you the freedom to attack. Can you become even better? I have a lot of things to learn but at the moment, I can't say I have flaws, that there are things I do wrong. I always try to be at my best and at a high level to help the team. I don't focus on my flaws.

Nuno Mendes: "The coach wants us to work on our weaker foot"

Working on the right foot, maybe? Yes, the coach wants us to work on our weaker foot (laughs), every day. I remember a Coupe de France match where in the last minute I found myself in a shooting position with my right foot and I shot too softly.

As with other choices by coach Luis Enrique that were heavily criticized, it is pleasing to see that there is ultimately great success and a player who thanks him. Many "specialists" and supporters almost "destroyed" the Spanish coach because he placed Nuno Mendes in a more defensive role.

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However, this led the Portuguese to progress defensively, not forgetting that his speed was very useful to help cover. Also, Achraf Hakimi (26-year-old right-back) was able to gain offensive freedom and adapt to a hybrid role. All of this, with midfielders who must adapt to this idea of constant movement.

Now that the whole team has a better grasp of this playing philosophy, with Nuno Mendes having progressed defensively, he gains greater freedom and excels in every area. He even impressed in the Champions League last season (against Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka notably).

Unsurprisingly, even if not everything always succeeds, coach Luis Enrique did not do things randomly. He sought the best paths to follow for the collective and its individuals. The evolution of Nuno Mendes is a huge success. Perhaps a reminder to some that a little trust in high-level coaches is necessary.

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