PARIS – Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique delivered a blunt message to his players following their dominant 5-0 victory over Stade Rennais on December 6, 2025, at the Parc des Princes. While pleased with the result in Ligue 1, Enrique emphasized that playing time at PSG is earned, not given, and that no one is exempt from competition for a place in the starting eleven.
The match, part of Ligue 1’s 15th matchday, saw Enrique rotate his squad due to the team’s ongoing injury concerns this season. Despite missing key players, PSG secured a comfortable win, but it was Enrique’s post-match comments that generated significant attention. The Spanish coach made it clear that sentimentality has no place in his team selection process.
Rotation and Absences Against Rennes
PSG entered the match against Rennes without Lucas Chevalier, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Désiré Doué. Despite these absences, Enrique opted to start Ousmane Dembélé and Fabian Ruiz on the bench. Instead, he deployed Matvey Safonov in goal, Warren Zaïre-Emery at right-back, Lucas Hernandez on the left, Senny Mayulu in midfield, and Kang-In Lee on the right wing. Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola all featured in the starting lineup, as expected.
The decision to rest Dembélé and Ruiz sparked questions, particularly given their importance to the squad. Yet, Enrique’s approach reflects a commitment to managing player fitness and providing opportunities to the wider squad. The victory over Rennes demonstrated the depth of PSG’s roster, even in the face of several key injuries.
“I Prefer to Play My Grandmother”
Following the match, as Ibrahim Mbaye and Quentin Ndjantou entered the game as substitutes, Enrique was pressed on why other promising young players – David Boly, Noham Kamara, and Martin James – remained on the bench. His response was unequivocal. “Why were the other youngsters (Boly, Kamara, and James) on the bench against Stade Rennais? I don’t give any gifts. Every time a Paris Saint-Germain player plays, it’s because they deserve to play. I consider that’s very clear. I prefer to play my grandmother than give gifts,” Enrique stated, according to reports.
This statement, while striking, underscores Enrique’s commitment to meritocracy. He is clearly prioritizing performance and effort over reputation or potential. The message is a clear warning to all members of the PSG squad: places in the team are not guaranteed, and players must consistently prove their worth in training, and matches.
Enrique’s approach is a departure from some previous PSG managers who were accused of favoring certain players regardless of form. His willingness to make tough decisions and prioritize the collective good could be a key factor in PSG’s pursuit of success this season. It’s a philosophy that demands accountability and fosters a competitive environment within the squad.
The win against Rennes moved PSG further up the Ligue 1 table, but Enrique is not content to rest on his laurels. He understands that maintaining a high level of performance requires constant effort and dedication from every player. His uncompromising stance is a clear signal that he expects nothing less.
For PSG fans, Enrique’s comments will likely be seen as a positive sign. It suggests a manager who is fully in control and determined to build a team based on hard work and merit. However, it also raises the stakes for every player in the squad, knowing that their place in the team is constantly under scrutiny.
The upcoming fixtures will be a crucial test for PSG and Enrique’s squad. The team will need to maintain its form and continue to demonstrate the commitment and work ethic that the manager demands. The pressure is on, but Enrique appears confident that his players are up to the challenge.
PSG’s next challenge will be a crucial away match against [Next Opponent – information not available in sources]. The match is scheduled for [Date and Time – information not available in sources] and will be a key test of PSG’s title credentials. Fans can follow the match live on [Broadcasting details – information not available in sources] and receive updates via the club’s official website and social media channels.
