Brest v PSG: Luis Enrique on Marquinhos, Hakimi, versatility and identity | OneFootball

Saturday, during the 9th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Brest (12th) at Stade Francis Le-Blé (kick-off at 5pm, broadcast on beIN SPORTS). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions in a press conference.

Luis Enrique  » We are ready, with our context. It’s not an excuse, that’s just how it is. You have to know how to manage. I think we’re doing that. »

Marquinhos is back, can he start tomorrow? How is the competition with Zabarnyi going?

We have to wait for today’s training session to know which players will be ready tomorrow in Brest. We recently got Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembélé back, and before that Désiré Doué. That’s good news. We’re happy.

Speaking of competition, it’s one of the most important things to improve our performances individually and collectively.

A more complicated run in the league than in the Champions League for you, can Marseille prevent you from winning the league easily?

You always analyze based on the result. It doesn’t work like that. I saw the same team, the same identity. Even if there were different players, because we had to change players. We do the same thing in the league and in the Champions League, with different results. I’m very calm, very confident. I saw the same things. It’s your job to analyze why it works or not.

We always try to play the same way, but circumstances change. I saw the same mentality and identity as last season. You’re worried because there’s one point less, I’m not. As PSG coach, I don’t worry about others. We are ready, with our context. It’s not an excuse, that’s just how it is. You have to know how to manage. I think we’re doing that.

Luis Enrique « This mobility is very important for us. »

Is it important to have perfect matches and reclaim first place in Ligue 1 with the next 3 games?

We mainly have to think about winning the matches, first twice away and then at home. We have to try to win every match, but it’s very difficult. We know how tough it will be to win in Brest tomorrow, but that’s our goal.

What does Doué bring as a 9 compared to Dembélé? Does this versatility work for all lines?

Of course. You know my preference for players who can play in different positions. It’s always positive. There are differences, each number 9 has his own characteristics. But what we’re looking for is continuity, the ability to dribble, to win duels, to score, etc. We have a lot of players. Dembélé, Ramos, Doué, Mayulu, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, Lee, even the fullbacks play as 9 at times. This mobility is very important for us. We’re happy to have this option.

Luis Enrique « That’s why we don’t recruit. »

What do you think of Hakimi’s start to the season and his role as a leader?

His status hasn’t changed in 2 years. He’s one of the leaders in the locker room. His teammates chose him as the second captain. That shows his level in the team. He’s a different player, with a lot of offensive and defensive qualities. He can play almost every match at 100%. He’s a guarantee. I’m very happy to have him in the team.

Does Hakimi deserve the African Ballon d’Or?

To be honest, I need to see the other players. He’s without a doubt the best right-back in the world, for me. That’s why we don’t recruit, he almost always plays and we have solid options when he doesn’t. To bring in a player, you have to pay a lot even though he’ll play little and be demotivated because he won’t be better than Hakimi. We want to make the most of our player and have options within the team.

Luis Enrique « That’s the coach’s job. When everyone is negative, you have to be positive. «

How do you fight the feeling of ease within the group?

That’s the coach’s job. When everyone is negative, you have to be positive. When everyone is positive, you have to remind them of the negative. There, in the 35th minute it’s 1-1 and 10 against 10. You have to find the balance. You often have to go against the flow.

How do you judge Zaïre-Emery’s development?

Warren has had a year at a very good level. He’s a player we like. He’s starting the season at his level, as usual. It’s normal in a career to have ups and downs. We’re happy to see him with this confidence. It’s important. In the last 2 matches, he’s been sensational.

How do you maintain the mentality despite injuries and many matches?

It depends on the players. When you have this mentality, this atmosphere in the team… It’s very important to have fun, to enjoy all of this. It’s one of the most important things. It’s one of the objectives.

Luis Enrique « it’s their character, their way of facing things together. »

The team always knows how to react, is that one of your greatest successes?

I don’t know. It’s one of the first things we want to instill in the players. This mentality, it’s not me, it’s their character, their way of facing things together. You can say what you want, but if the players don’t have that character it’s useless. I’m very happy to see that.

Any news on Neves and Ruiz?

I think they’re doing very well, but we have to wait for today’s training session. Sooner rather than later, they’ll be back with the team. I hope to have everyone back soon.

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