Philosophy, ambition and the future, Luis Enrique opens up

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·11 August 2026

Philosophy, ambition and the future, Luis Enrique opens up

Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain’s coach since 2023, spoke to UEFA ahead of Wednesday’s European Super Cup clash against Aston Villa (kick-off at 9 p.m., broadcast on Canal+). The Spaniard discussed his status, his mindset, and his ambitions for what lies ahead. All of it with striking frankness.

Luis Enrique: “I like doing it by convincing them, not simply because I’m the coach”

“I’m not a genius, and I don’t want to be one. I think I was born for competition; that’s where I feel most comfortable. I have this constant obsession with wanting to improve performances, my relationship with the players, with the team, the demands placed on me, my empathy with the squad, and getting the very best out of it. But I like doing it by convincing them, not simply because I’m the coach and I order them to do something. I like trying to understand the game and explain it to the players as simply as possible. I think that’s what drives me to keep improving. Today, when people tell me, ‘You’ve won a lot of titles,’ it doesn’t matter; that’s the past, ancient history. I focus on renewing that desire to win. It’s difficult to keep asserting yourself. Right now, we have a unique challenge, something almost unprecedented in European football history: matching Real Madrid if we manage to win a third consecutive Champions League.

Luis Enrique: “I don’t think there is a single team in Europe more motivated than us.”

Wow! That’s a whole different level. No one in history has won three in a row except Real Madrid. We can match them. But I don’t think there is a single team in Europe more motivated than us. No one rules out Paris Saint-Germain anymore. Two years ago, it was impossible to put us among the favorites, or at least we weren’t really. Today, no one would dare say Paris Saint-Germain isn’t the favorite. That’s something we’ve earned, but if we want to maintain that status, we have to work even harder.

“The project here is the one I’ve invested myself in the most as a coach.”

I will never forget the day sporting advisor Luis Campos came to my house. It only took fifteen minutes to realize we were on the same wavelength. There is no doubt that the project here is the one I’ve invested myself in the most as a coach. I hope to stay here for many more years. It’s fantastic to start every season with the support of the club, the fans, and the management. I intend to give the very best of myself. It will be very difficult to keep winning, but we will leave nothing to chance.”

Far from the image created by some media outlets in France of a coach who sees himself as some great genius and looks down on others, Luis Enrique is above all passionate. About competition, the game, and passing things on. For him, it is not about leading through status alone. He is not there just to give orders, but to share his philosophy and try to get the players to buy into it.

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That comes through very clearly in his squad. The Spaniard has managed to make sure his players are fully aligned with his ideas. Both in the way they play, with the team never panicking regardless of the scenario, and in the way things are managed. The fact that there have been no complaints about playing time or certain decisions over the past two years is a real achievement that should not be overlooked.

It is also worth highlighting the quality of PSG’s football. Other teams have managed to win, but few have done so with this kind of style. Even their biggest rivals are forced to admit that this Paris side is enjoyable to watch and often impressive. Their two European titles are not down to luck, even if there were moments when everything could have gone the wrong way because of a tiny detail. That’s football.

That is why winning a third straight Champions League is such a difficult goal to achieve. You have to accept that the competition is fierce and that football can sometimes be unpredictable. At the same time, there is no question of looking for excuses or resting on their laurels. Luis Enrique is stating the mission clearly, and his players have already spoken about it too.

PSG are not satisfied; they are chasing history, legend. That requires even greater effort. Luis Enrique’s words are bound to resonate, and may even push the players to surpass themselves once again. The coach is fully committed to this project and wants it to continue for a long time. Of course, at some point, this dominance in the Champions League will come to an end. There will be no need to dramatize it. Paris should instead have a solid foundation to launch another assault the following season with strong arguments.

One day, Luis Enrique will also have to leave. But that is not on the agenda, and there is no need to worry too far in advance about a succession that will be very difficult. For now, the important thing is to enjoy it and get behind the team.

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