Stade de Reims 1-1 PSG - Luis Enrique post-match press conference

Despite the 1-1 draw against Reims, which could be seen as a poor result, Luis Enrique remained calm in the post-match press conference. Instead of being overly critical, he defended his squad and once again highlighted the versatility of his players, which he intends to continue utilising.

Stade de Reims 1-1 PSG - Luis Enrique post-match press conference

You dropped two points tonight. How would you assess the match, and what did you like the least about it?

"I don't recall a single easy away game last season. Not one. Well, maybe one. Just one last season. Playing here is very tough; we already struggled here last year, and today was no different. Their game plan was clear: stay behind the ball, near their box, and play on the counter. They were fortunate to score a goal the very first time they approached our penalty area. After that, they caused us problems; they were quite present. Maybe we weren’t able to make enough off-the-ball movements to trouble them more, but we had plenty of chances to win the match."

What did you think of Barcola’s performance? He seems to be struggling a bit in recent games.

"I think it’s normal during a season when you're not winning. Players have ups and downs, that’s only natural. I have a very positive feeling about all the players who were involved today: those who started the match and those who came on later. The team never gave up; they kept fighting. We could have done better, or worse, but that’s football, it’s normal. We don't sing their praises when they score goals, and we don’t criticise them when things aren’t going as well. That’s just how it is in football. But I’m pleased with Bradley’s performance and with all the players."

Why did you choose Doue to replace Asensio as the No. 9 and Kolo Muani on the right? What were you expecting from this system?

"I think I’ve explained this well throughout these early matches of the season: I have a very versatile squad, and I plan to regularly take advantage of the options this gives us with different players. (Doue) can and could play that role much more often. We changed (his position) later because after we scored, the opponent dropped even deeper, and there was less space. But position changes for our players will be the norm throughout the season, just like they were last year. I believe it brings us a lot and that it pays off."

What about Zaire-Emery, who you had play as a right-back, like in several games last season? Was it to cover for Hakimi’s absence?

"Warren played as a midfielder because we had 80% possession, so he wasn’t really playing as a full-back. He defended as a right-back but barely played that role since we had the ball. In possession, he was an additional midfielder, playing between the lines or spreading wide. We anticipated those situations and the options within the team."

Why was Hakimi absent from the squad?

"Because one of our key principles is to preserve the physical health of our players throughout the season. I believe it’s important to rest players who have already had a busy and intense schedule at this stage, to protect them and ensure they can give their best."

Doue seemed to be in some pain when he came off. What’s the update on him?

"Doue has an ankle problem following a knock. We don’t know the extent of it yet, but we’ll have more information tomorrow."

Kolo Muani started on the right side. He made some good plays, particularly the ball to Kang-In Lee that could have been a goal. But when he moved centrally, it seemed more challenging for him. What does he need to do to stand out when there’s such density in the middle?

"Kolo Muani has the ability, and that’s what I like about all my forwards, to play in different positions. When there’s more space, like at the beginning of the match on the right side, he has the chance to attack the space, which is something we look for. When space closes up because Reims decided to drop even deeper, he can make good movements in the No. 9 position, shoot, and provide other options. Depending on how the match evolves, we adjust the players' positions. Today, Kolo Muani played 30 minutes as a winger and 60 as a No. 9. It’s always difficult in these kinds of games because there’s no space for a 9. He becomes more of a finisher. One of our goals is to find him and connect with him in these situations."

Dembele scored. You must be pleased with his stats…

"What I want is for Paris Saint-Germain to score. I honestly don’t care who scores. Ousmane played, shot, and scored: that’s great, fantastic, wonderful. But what we want is for the team to win. You’re obsessed with who scores, with who’s scoring more or less. There’s no pressure on any one player. The entire team needs to improve, all the players, in attack and defence, (he repeats) in attack and defence. That’s what a real team is. We don’t want just ‘one’ goalscorer because if you put all the pressure on Ousmane and he doesn’t score the goals you expect him to, the problems will start. So, honestly, I don’t care who scores, as long as they’re wearing the PSG shirt.

(As he leaves, he continues) I know you don’t like that, huh. I know you don’t have ‘the love’ for that, but it’s what’s best. (He ironically adds) You say, ‘Ousmane, Ousmane,’ and then if he doesn’t score, huh..."