Rennes v PSG: Luis Enrique hails perfect player, praises squad | OneFootball

Friday, during the 22nd matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Rennes (6th) at Roazhon Park (kick-off at 7pm, broadcast on Ligue1+). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.

Luis Enrique: "People think there’s money, that it’s easy."

Does the team need more rest or more work?

It depends, on the schedule and many things. We only had 3 weeks of vacation after an endless season. So, it depends. For me, it’s important to have the days we need to work. We also have to try to control the pressure, the stress that is always present in a top-level team, which comes through rest.

This allows us to enjoy coming to training, to be happy with what we do. People think there’s money, that it’s easy. But there are other important things. Rest is one of them.

Luis Enrique: "The player is improving, he’s training, but not with the group."

Nuno Mendes, the perfect player?

I don’t know if there is a perfect player. I don’t think so. But surely, if there is a player with many different qualities physically, technically, and personally, Nuno would undoubtedly be close. But there is no perfect player.

What is Fabian Ruiz’s injury? Is he close to returning?

I don’t know when he’ll be back, but he is improving his recovery. There are different aspects. Some injuries heal very quickly, others don’t. Here, it’s a bit slower than usual. The player is improving, he’s training, but not with the group.

Luis Enrique: "Two weeks ago, you told me he was very inconsistent. Now you change."

Has Dembélé improved compared to last season? Has his game changed?

No, I think he’s like last year and two years ago. Two weeks ago, you told me he was very inconsistent. Now you change and say he’s very consistent. But, no. He’s a brilliant player, with so many qualities. When he has continuity, he can make the most of it, and we’re happy to have a player of his quality.

Luis Enrique: "When he’s not there, I don’t know who will speak."

Marquinhos is performing very well, even though it seemed possible he would lose playing time. Does his longevity surprise you?

No, there’s no surprise. He’s a player everyone knows. He’s the captain, the leader in the locker room. That’s important. When he’s not there, I don’t know who will speak, who will motivate the players. He’s a real leader, I’m very happy to have him. He’s always performed since I’ve been here. I’m very happy to have him, it’s very positive.

Dembélé said that PSG is back?

You know my opinion about performances during the season. If we’re back, that’s wonderful because it’s the best part of the season. The important thing is to win the next match tomorrow. It’s not easy, away from home. But we have to keep putting pressure on Lens and Lyon. That’s our job, our goal.

Luis Enrique: "The important thing is that he’s back and he can play."

Is Hakim back at 100%?

To know if a player is at 100%, you have to see several matches. The performance in each match is important. It’s normal to have ups and downs, we’re used to it. The important thing is that he’s back and he can play.

Habib Beye was dismissed at Rennes, what’s your opinion?

I’m not going to talk about it, he’s not the coach of Rennes. This has already happened in recent seasons, with a coaching change. We have to be attentive to see if there are changes. We have to be ready to analyze during the match. We’re used to this and it’s important to be ready to overcome it.

Luis Enrique: "I don’t agree with you."

Zabarnyi has been playing a bit less lately, why is he struggling?

I don’t agree with you. I know, you said a month ago that you know how difficult it is to adapt. I’m not worried about anyone. It’s hard to adapt very quickly here. I’m very happy with the new signings. Normally we can give minutes, but now it’s harder with the elimination from the Coupe de France.

This is the key moment of the season, we need all the players and they must be ready. I don’t know when, I hope there will be moments for everyone. That’s life in a very top-level team.

Luis Enrique: "We’ve shown this season the ability to overcome injuries."

Could Dro start against Rennes?

Of course, we’re open to using the players we have in the team. This is the moment, we like to do training sessions to see if the players are ready. Competition is more important than training, but this is a special moment. Injuries are an opportunity to see the players. We’ve shown this season the ability to overcome injuries.

Does PSG know how to step up at the right moment in the season?

This is the most important moment of the season, it’s when trophies are decided. Then there will be the World Cup. We’ve tried to improve as a team. We’re still in it, to defend better, attack better, have all the players. I hope this season we’ll have a moment with all the players to be stronger.

Luis Enrique: "I’m always looking for things that can improve the team."

Is a hierarchy needed for the goalkeeper position?

What I think, you can see with what I do, with my choices. We have to continue with what we think as a staff, doing what’s best for the team. You’ve seen the changes. We’re open to anything to improve the team. There’s no hierarchy. That doesn’t worry me. I’m always looking for things that can improve the team.

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