PARIS – Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique addressed a range of topics during a press conference on Thursday, including the controversial postponement of the Ligue 1 match against Lens, squad rotation ahead of the Champions League clash with Liverpool, and the fitness of key players. The PSG manager spoke ahead of Friday’s league encounter with Toulouse at the Parc des Princes, a match the league leaders will undoubtedly approach with focus despite the looming European tie.
The postponement of the match against Lens has been a point of contention, with Lens expressing their dissatisfaction. Enrique, however, made it clear that his priority is the defense of PSG’s interests. “It’s clear that our position is to defend PSG,” he stated. “We find different points of view, that’s normal, and I understand it. I understand what Lens thinks. We have to accept the decision, but everyone defends their own interests, and that’s normal.”
Squad Fitness and Availability
Enrique provided updates on the fitness of several players ahead of the Toulouse match. He confirmed there were no new injuries, describing the situation as “very positive.” However, he acknowledged the challenge of reintegrating players returning from international duty. “After tonight’s training, we’ll see what the mental and physical state is,” he explained. “We have to manage this return from the international break. It’s not straightforward to manage the load of matches and travel.”
Fabian Ruiz is progressing well from his injury, but remains a doubt for immediate selection. “He is much better, but there is still a little way to proceed,” Enrique said. The manager similarly offered an update on Bradley Barcola, who is recovering from an unspecified issue. “I don’t know [if he’ll be back for the return leg against Liverpool]. When I spoke with him, I asked how he was feeling, but nothing in particular. No rush. The most important thing is that he recovers. When will he be ready? I don’t know, we have to wait and see how he evolves.”
Managing the Schedule: Toulouse and Liverpool
With a crucial Champions League tie against Liverpool on the horizon, Enrique discussed his approach to squad rotation. “It’s a bit of a Tetris,” he admitted, referring to the challenge of balancing player fitness and tactical needs. “Not only looking at the load of minutes and travel, but also what the players’ sensations are. Once we have the information, we have to do the Tetris to play against Toulouse and then the double confrontation against Liverpool.”
The manager emphasized the importance of the match against Toulouse, despite the looming European fixture. “The match against Toulouse is the most important because we necessitate points and Lens are going to play a derby against Lille, a difficult match for them,” he stated. This suggests that Enrique intends to field a competitive side against Toulouse, prioritizing league points even as simultaneously managing player fatigue.
Player Performance and Team Dynamics
Lucas Hernandez’s recent performances for the French national team have been impressive, leading to questions about whether he will see increased playing time at PSG. Enrique was effusive in his praise. “Of course, to win trophies like last year, you need all the players. Tomorrow, we’ll see that it’s important to have players capable of responding at any time. Lucas Hernandez has played at a very high level when he’s been called upon, he has experience. He played very well with his national team, I hope he will be at the World Cup. It’s difficult to have players like that, because there are many individualists in football. Here, there are many exemplary players like Lucas, Beraldo, and Kang-in Lee.”
Enrique also addressed a question regarding Ibrahim Mbaye, who appears to be performing better for Senegal than for PSG. “I don’t know. You have to ask the player, not me. We have given Ibrahim a lot of confidence. There are times when you are more in form with the national team, others with your club. That doesn’t change our opinion of him. He can show his quality in Paris.”
Innovation in Officiating
The potential implementation of a system allowing referees to communicate decisions audibly to fans, players, and coaches was also discussed. Enrique expressed a willingness to embrace innovation. “I am always open to something that can improve football. If the referee can make supporters, players, coaches, and everyone understand, that’s positive. We’ll have to see how it’s put into practice.”
Salary Speculation
When questioned about reports regarding his salary, Enrique dismissed the topic as irrelevant. “In the dressing room? Do you believe they’re interested in my salary? Talking about that is out of context. Of course, I am one of the best-paid coaches in the world. That’s good for me.”
As PSG prepares to face Toulouse, the focus remains on maintaining their lead in Ligue 1 while carefully managing resources for the upcoming Champions League challenge. Enrique’s emphasis on squad depth, tactical flexibility, and defending the club’s interests suggests a pragmatic approach to navigating a demanding schedule.
PSG will face Toulouse at the Parc des Princes on Friday, April 3rd, with a kickoff time of 20:45 local time (20:45 CEST, 14:45 EDT). The team will then turn its attention to the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool.
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