PSG v Newcastle: Luis Enrique on doubts, Hakimi, Fernandez, Zaïre-Emery | OneFootball

Wednesday, during the 8th day of the Champions League 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) will face Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 PM, broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions in a press conference.

Luis Enrique "It's a key moment of the season, but it will be even more so in the future."

Does the team need more confidence or pressure?

Nothing. I talked during the last match about a lack of confidence. Sometimes, when you analyze a match, you can see that it's not the best moment in that match. There is nothing more. We are entering this competition that we really love. It's very beautiful to be here. Today's session was of a very good level. I am very happy to be here to prepare for tomorrow's match, in a very important competition for the club, the supporters, and the team.

You said that not being in the top 8 wouldn't be so bad, is that still your position?

Of course, I think the same. The goal is clearly to qualify in the top 8, by winning the match against a very good team, with a different style. They are very strong physically, with very strong players. We know Newcastle well, we faced them 2 years ago. It will be very difficult. We know the difficulty before starting the matches by seeing the draw. It's a key moment of the season, but it will be even more so in the future. The goal is to win, we are ready to face this match.

Luis Enrique "We need to see the whole team, all together."

What do you take away from the defeat 2 years ago? Did you use it afterwards?

It was 2 years ago, I don't remember. Maybe the result. A negative result is important to see the mistakes, but no team always wins, nor always loses. It's part of the journey that must be accepted. I think we are arriving at a very good moment, with recovered players. It's very important. We need to see the whole team, all together.

What did Hakimi say when you saw him? Is he 100% physically?

He did the 3 training sessions with the team. There is always a special story when you come back. I saw him perfectly, we'll see tomorrow. But I think he will be able to play tomorrow.

Luis Enrique "We are still open, if there is an opportunity."

What have you perceived from Dro Fernandez in training? What are your expectations?

It's the same for all players. We like to sign young players. We are ready during the transfer window. We like quality players, but they are hard to find to improve the squad. I think in the future Dro can be an important player. It's important to stay open to the transfer market. You have asked a lot. We are still open, if there is an opportunity.

Luis Enrique "It's very beautiful to have a player of this level."

Zaïre-Emery, what will his place be with Hakimi back? Can he still be a starter in the midfield?

You have asked me many times to sign a right-back, everyone, all the time. I have experience, I don't let myself be influenced. I miss many times. But you have seen a very high-level right-back. Warren is incredible, he is a very special person. He is a different player. It's very beautiful to have a player of this level. He can play as a full-back, midfielder, anywhere. It's very positive for him and for me.

Luis Enrique "I have doubts, I'm happy to have them."

Do you sometimes have doubts in your choices?

I am sure of myself, but I don't think I am incredible. I am afraid of many things. It's also a message for the young. Everyone has doubts, fears. No one is apart. You need to question yourself to improve. I have doubts, I'm happy to have them. The fact of having players returning brings doubts, you have to choose. Substitutes tomorrow deserve to be starters, that's how it is.

What can you say about the returns?

I hope they will be there. Almost everyone is almost perfect. It's incredible, the Champions League is the best medicine, everyone recovers. It's normal, the competition is very motivating. It's important to have this feeling.

Luis Enrique "Only victory will be positive for both teams."

What is the interest of having versatile players, besides saving money and the players' progress?

In our squad, there are many players who can do it. I tell the players it's important, even if I understand if they have a preference. When you have players with this versatility, you can change things without making changes. It gives a lot of possibilities. I am lucky to have that. It's what I try to convey to my players.

One of the keys to the match will be the management of set pieces?

There will be different phases, that's part of it. But also, what type of match we will see, what type of match we want to play. Against such a physical team, you have to control everything but especially in the last part of the match. Only victory will be positive for both teams. I hope it won't be a bit of a crazy end, we need control.

You have conceded 10 goals in the Champions League, does that worry you?

I'm not worried. It's football. Everyone wants to analyze the team, but no one talks about the quality of play, about playing against some of the best teams. We never have an easy match. We need to be calm, analyze everything. I often love the way we played. We want to create opportunities, score, and reach the top 8. If we reach the goal, it's perfect.

Luis Enrique "The real Champions League is going to start and we are very strong in this part."

A desire for revenge on the defeat 2 years ago?

No, it's forgotten. The squad has changed. If I really have to analyze, we are the same coaches and the last match was at home, we drew 1-1. These are different situations, I think we play much better. It will be complicated, but we are confident. We must defend at a very high level. We must play normally, with our weapons and our talent.

If you could reuse the performance of a match, which one would you choose?

If we win tomorrow, we will be in the top 8. But I can sign for a draw or a defeat, go to the playoffs, and win the Champions League. The real Champions League is going to start and we are very strong in this part.

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