For the second matchday of Ligue 1 2025-26, PSG face Angers this Friday. On the eve of the encounter, Luis Enrique appeared at the press conference.
Facing low-block teams in Ligue 1
"I believe it's the usual. We saw it two years ago, and last year, and I believe it will be the same. We are accustomed to playing against low blocks. It's always difficult. You don't have time to think, to execute your action. But we are accustomed to it. It's the phase of play we know best".
The return to Parc des Princes
"We've missed the stadium greatly, and our supporters too. It's always great to play at the Parc, it's a very different atmosphere. We've played the last 10 matches away from home, it's time to enjoy our supporters. We want to play at our best level. We will prepare the match well".
Is PSG's transfer window already over?
"Our obligation is to remain open until the end of the market. We are happy with our signings but we remain prepared whatever the situation".
The sensations of returning to training
"The feeling with the ball, it's the same as when you do your first interview after holidays. After three weeks without touching the ball, the first week, it's... I remember as a player, it's always different. Against Angers, it's going to be difficult. We must be lucid, we must be prepared".
The importance of substitutes
"It's particularly important these first weeks, but it has been a constant during last season. We are accustomed to seeing players who come on be important. For me, it's a quality of our team".
The relationship between Matvey Safonov and Illia Zabarnyi
"Sport and particularly football is the best way to have the capacity to include people and to unite them, and not to separate them. Sport and players are above the political or economic interests of politicians".
Lucas Chevalier as a replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma
"These are always difficult decisions to make. I have no problem making it, but I won't explain anything about players who are at PSG. It doesn't interest me. I can understand the criticism of our decision. But we are calm, we are serene. We know where we want to go and that's the most important thing for me".
About Ousmane Dembélé
"For Ousmane, it's going to be a challenge because last year was extraordinary, but I am convinced he can still improve his performances. He's a very important player; he has the offensive and defensive qualities, and he always has a smile. I hope this year will be even better for him and the team".
Long-range shots, a new weapon?
"More than a technical novelty, it's one of the solutions you must look for when you face a low block. I'm happy to have players with that quality to shoot from distance".
Superstition
"No. I don't do anything with superstition. I'm proud of my work. The rest, nothing. As a player, I was a bit superstitious, but not as a manager. For me, it's easy. If a player during training plays at a very high level, then he deserves to play. Doesn't matter the age, his nationality, nothing".
About PSG's squad
"What we can add is work on things we think will be important during the match. We must have a structure to attack in the best way and be good at pressing. Before matches, we know more or less what the actions will be. But we must see how the players are because they aren't machines. It depends on each match".
What changes to expect compared to last year
"It's my job, the job of the team, of the club. I must be prepared to be unpredictable, be different, have more options. That's why we make decisions. That's why we continue signing players. But it's not something public".
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