Metz v PSG: Luis Enrique on progress, Chevalier, Safonov, transfers | OneFootball

Saturday, during the 16th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face Metz (18th) at Stade Saint-Symphorien (kick-off at 7pm, broadcast on Ligue1+). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions in a press conference.

Luis Enrique: “The team is ready”

The team is progressing well despite the absences?

In terms of play, I think we are on a normal trajectory. There are things that have improved, others that we can still improve. From what I’ve seen on the pitch, I’m happy. In both defensive and offensive aspects, I’m satisfied.

Is it difficult to manage the end of the year with 4 away games?

I hope not, but we travel a lot. That’s the schedule, we have to adapt. We’re not looking for excuses. We’re used to it, we travel in the best conditions. It’s good to have this possibility. But we do feel fatigue. What I’ve seen in training is that the team is ready. I hope we don’t have any problems with that.

Luis Enrique: “I’m happy to know that we have 3 top goalkeepers.”

Is Lucas Chevalier fit, did the break do him good?

He had that little injury, he’s back now. He trained as usual. We were able to see another player who hadn’t played before. Safonov showed his level and we’re very happy to see the players always ready. He showed his personality. I’m happy to know that we have 3 top goalkeepers.

How do injuries change management? How do you reach the next level?

I don’t know. What I see is the level of the team. I don’t think it’s very different. I hope to have the players back after Christmas so we can tackle the most important part of the season in the best way.

It’s strange, because we haven’t had that since the start of the season. But I hope so. And I’m happy with what I’ve seen from the team.

Luis Enrique: “I think we’re on the same path.”

Is the Intercontinental Cup as important for PSG as it is for Flamengo or Pyramids?

It’s the same motivation for everyone, the same importance for the trophy. It’s a trophy you rarely get to win. It’s very important. It’s good for us to know that.

Can last season’s run help for the rest of this one?

We can make the comparison, but I think we’re on the same path. We really showed our quality as a team, with many strange and different situations. No one doubts our team. We can play better or worse, but what you see in the analysis are the same ideas, the ability to manage regardless of the stadium.

Luis Enrique: “He still needs to recover. We have to be careful.”

Is a match against the bottom team particularly difficult to prepare for?

Every match has its difficulties, whether it’s the last, the first, or the Champions League. We know they’ll be motivated. It will be tough. We’re looking to be ready to face this match. We know it’s hard to play away.

How do you manage Dembélé so he comes back in the best shape?

It’s a shame for him and the team. We haven’t been able to see much of him in these first 4 months. We’re trying to manage this, it’s my responsibility to handle it as best as possible so we can see him again in the best condition. He’s been sick these last few days. He started individual work today. He still needs to recover. We have to be careful.

Luis Enrique: “It’s important to know you have to be ready for opportunities.”

Can Safonov change how you manage the goalkeeper position?

It depends, all the time. I have a lot of confidence in our 3 goalkeepers. It’s important to know you have to be ready for opportunities. Safonov showed that. I like our 3 goalkeepers. Tomorrow, we’ll see.

Marquinhos and Chevalier suffered serious fouls that went largely unpunished. Any comment on the refereeing? A lack of protection for players?

I’d really like to talk about it, I’m old in football. I have a lot of experience. It’s been a long time since I decided not to talk about that.

I’d like to show what I think, but I prefer to show my players that we must focus on the things we can control. I’m convinced of that. It’s more positive for me in the long term than talking about the referee every week.

Luis Enrique: “We analyze, we know where we’re going. We’re open, as usual.”

Have you changed your mind about the transfer market, have you realized it’s a priority to recruit this winter?

No. I haven’t changed anything I’ve said. We’re open, as usual. We have a staff that analyzes. There are injuries, there are moments, we trust our young players. It’s not easy for us to recruit a player. If you know a very interesting and cheaper player, I’m ready to listen. We analyze, we know where we’re going. We’re open, as usual.

How long will Marquinhos be out?

I don’t know. If you want, I can bring the doctor next time (smiles). I know there’s nothing very serious, but I don’t know if he’ll be available on Wednesday.

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