PSG v Angers: Luis Enrique on Chevalier, Parc, transfers, unpredictability | OneFootball

Friday, during the Matchday 2 of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Angers (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 8:45pm, broadcast on Ligue1+). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions in a press conference.

Luis Enrique: “Make decisions based on the pressing.”

What do you think of Chevalier’s debut and what do you expect specifically from him? With his footwork?

To be honest, I think if I have to talk about this subject, I need to do it in Spanish. I don’t have the words to define everything. May I? Perfect.

We want a collective style of play, with the ability to take the upper hand, to make decisions based on the pressing. Without the ball, he must cover the defense and, of course, handle the usual situations for a goalkeeper.

Mentally, he must be a leader, he sees the whole pitch, he has an overall view. We ask this of all our goalkeepers.

Luis Enrique: “It’s the phase of play we know best.”

Nantes played very deep, do you fear Ligue 1 teams will be even more defensive?

It’s the norm. We saw it two years ago, last season, and it will be the same. We’re used to playing against low blocks. It’s always difficult against a dense group of players, with little space. It’s tough, there’s no time to think, to execute the action. But we’re used to it. It’s the phase of play we know best.

Luis Enrique: “We played our last 10 matches away, now it’s time to enjoy the stadium and the fans.”

Did you miss the Parc des Princes?

Of course, a lot. It’s always beautiful to play with our supporters, it’s a different atmosphere. We played our last 10 matches away, now it’s time to enjoy the stadium and the fans. We’re very strong with their support. It will be the first home game, we want to play at our level. There’s still a bit to go, but we have to prepare for the match in the best possible way. It will be difficult, we know Angers’ defensive and offensive qualities.

Luis Enrique: “We’re ready for all situations.”

Is the transfer window over for you? Are you still expecting changes?

Our duty as a club is to stay open until the end of the transfer window. We have to be ready for all circumstances. We’re happy with our recruitment. But we’re ready for all situations.

You mentioned the feeling with the ball and being unpredictable. Can you explain?

It’s like the first interview after the holidays, we have doubts (laughs). The first week, as a player, you’re a bit lost. The break is long, it’s different. But after two weeks, everyone is ready. Tomorrow, against Angers, we have to be ready. It will be tough. We’ll need to be clear-headed to get the upper hand on a team that knows how to defend, that won’t leave any space. We have to be ready.

Luis Enrique: “Sport and people are above political or economic matters.”

Is it essential to have all players ready, even as substitutes, at the start of the season?

It’s a constant. It’s not easy to know you can be important while being on the bench. But we’re used to it. It’s an important quality for our team.

How is it going between Matvey Safonov and Ilya Zabarnyi? Have you discussed it with Luis Campos?

Sport is the best way to bring people together and create unity, not division. Sport and people are above political or economic matters.

Luis Enrique: “We know where we want to go and that’s the most important thing for me.”

It’s a bold choice to replace Donnarumma with Chevalier, what does he have more?

These are always difficult decisions to make. It’s not a problem for me, but I won’t explain publicly regarding players at PSG. I can understand the criticism, what people think. But we’re calm, we’re relaxed. We know where we want to go and that’s the most important thing for me.

What do you think of Dembélé’s first matches? How can he be even better?

I think this season is a challenge for Ousmane. Last year was incredible and I’m convinced he can improve his performances. Without a doubt. You have to be very bold to say it, but I think he has the level. He’s a very important player. He has both offensive and defensive qualities. I always want him to have a smile. I’m happy and I hope the year will be even better for him and the team.

PSG scored 2 goals from outside the box, is this a new tactical weapon?

It’s one of the solutions you have to look for when attacking a low block. We have different options against a low block and that’s part of it. I’m happy to have players with this quality.

Luis Enrique: “If a player deserves to play, his age, nationality or anything else doesn’t matter.”

Before approaching a match, can you make a choice about a player based on “feeling,” or does the shirt choice matter? Are you superstitious?

No, not for choosing a player. I don’t do any of that. I’m proud of my work and the rest, superstitions, there’s nothing. As a player I was a bit, but as a coach, nothing. If I see a player at a very high level in training, he will play. That’s the agreement we have. If a player deserves to play, his age, nationality or anything else doesn’t matter. I try to do that all the time.

What can you bring mentally? Regarding competition?

What we can add is to work on the things we think are important for the match. It’s not just about attacking a low block, but having the best structure to press after losing the ball. Every match is different and presents different situations to manage. We more or less know what can happen, but we have to adapt. We’re open to being ready to analyze all that. It’s always different.

Luis Enrique: “Change everything, change nothing, that’s not public. That’s my job, the team’s, the club’s.”

What do you want to change compared to last year?

Change everything, change nothing, that’s not public. That’s my job, the team’s, the club’s. But I think repeating what you did to win last year can work, but you have to be ready to be unpredictable, different. We make decisions that are perhaps hard to understand, but we’re ready. We continue to make choices, signings. But we can’t say publicly.

What do you think of Ligue1+? Are you ready to open up your daily life?

We’ve shown everything, there’s nothing more that’s interesting! (smile).

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