It’s back to school for the reigning French champion. This Sunday it hosts the PFC for this first derby between the two Parisian clubs since 1978. Before going to Kuwait next week for the Champions Trophy and the confrontation with OM, PSG must not let go of Lens, crowned fall champion on Friday evening. This Saturday, from the Poissy Campus, Luis Enrique, the PSG coach, was at a press conference.
In 2025, January had shown fullness in the game. Are you expecting it again?
LUIS HENRY. Happy New Year and good health to everyone! Every coach wants his team to improve every year. I am very proud of my team. I am very optimistic. I hope to get all the players back in good physical condition. We are going to play a derby tomorrow (this Sunday), it’s special and special.
How did you manage Lucas Chevalier during the last period?
I didn’t have any talks with him. Nothing special. Things are very clear, we have three very high level goalkeepers. They give 100% for the team. I am very happy.
What is your wish for 2026?
Have health and recover all players. With this quality one can enjoy. It’s a real pleasure to see them. We are happy to meet again after the Christmas break to face the first match at the Parc des Princes.
What should we expect from the transfer window?
It’s the same thing every time: we are open to improving our squad! But it’s very difficult to find a player better than the ones we have. The sports management, Luis Campos, and I are open.
What does the derby mean to you?
It’s good. We are happy. We will play twice against the PFC. It’s good for the city. I hope we meet them often in Ligue 1. I hope we see a very good match. I’m happy to play a derby in Paris.
Did you prepare for this derby differently from any other match?
No. We prepare it normally. We don’t know what the PFC will do because the team changed during the season. It won’t be easy, especially because it’s a derby.
Paris is not fall champion. Is this important?
Lens was better than us during this first part. You have to improve to continue earning points. The important part of the championship arrives. It motivates us. We want to win a lot of matches.
Did the break do you any good?
The players are very good. It’s a real pleasure to see this quality of training, this desire to play football. I’m very happy to be here.
Did they have work to do during the holidays?
The players had a program but it depended on the number of minutes of each. Some have only recovered. This is not a normal job. They are privileged to play football.
Afterwards, it will be Kuwait for the Champions Trophy. The OM coach would have preferred the match to take place in France. And you ?
I am very happy to play with PSG everywhere.
Do you still have the lead in the championship after the European coronation?
The championship has always been a very clear objective. We did not play with the typical team in L 1 during this first part of the season. This is why I am very proud of my players. But that’s not enough. It’s very clear: the championship and the Champions League are two objectives.
What is Bradley Barcola like?
He is perfect, like the rest of the squad. There is no fatigue. It’s all in the head. When you win 5-0, no one is tired. When we lose, everyone is tired. It’s normal, it’s the normal life of a footballer. We are positive and we are waiting for tomorrow’s match (Saturday) to find our supporters.
