PSG vs PSV - Luis Enrique pre-match press conference

On the eve of the PSG vs PSV, Luis Enrique appeared in a rather reserved mood during the press conference.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique addressed a few players, particularly focusing on their age, as well as the overall progress of the team in the pre-match press conference ahead of the PSV matchup for MD3 of the UEFA Champions League.

PSG vs PSV - Luis Enrique pre-match press conference

When asked about PSG's struggles in the Champions League so far and what they need to do to elevate their performance, Enrique replied:

"I believe the team played very well against Girona (1-0), and, of course, we didn’t perform as we wanted against Arsenal. However, I’m satisfied with what I’ve seen from my team throughout the season. In football, there are always areas for improvement, but where some see doubts, I see the team's growth, its potential, optimism, and what it conveys.

There's a lot to improve, but I remain very optimistic. I like what I see from my players since the start of the season. The Champions League is a tough competition, and there will be less favourable results, but we’re playing at home tomorrow and we’re keen to get a positive outcome."

Regarding the fitness of Randal Kolo Muani, Enrique confirmed:

"All players are available and can all start."

He was then asked if he had emphasised the need for goal-scoring efficiency with Bradley Barcola, who has netted seven goals this season. Enrique stated:

"We’re working, just like all the technical staff in every team worldwide: on defensive and offensive concepts. But what’s important isn’t just the goal or who provides the assist; it’s the overall mentality to be the best team.

There’s a collective effort from all players, and that’s what we’re aiming for. The stats show we are improving, and those are already good numbers."

When asked if this was the most crucial match of the group stage ahead of a challenging fixture list, he said:

"The next match is always the most important because it’s the one you can control. And with the current format of the Champions League, every home match is even more critical.

But it’s the same for PSV. Throughout this great competition, we all need to pick up points. We will approach this match with plenty of motivation and optimism to try and win."

Enrique also commented on the average age of his squad, which is reminiscent of Ajax's 1995 winning team, stating:

"Our team was already young last season. It’s still young this season, but with more experience. Most of our players are internationals who have competed in major tournaments, and they’ve had another year of experience.

I’m not sure of Ajax’s average age in 1995, but it was indeed a very young team. When planning a season, many players are unavailable because they’re too expensive; we can’t overpay or clubs won’t sell them.

Faced with this reality, we must make do with what we have and sign the best young players, which is easier than securing veterans and costs less. This allows us to create a more complete squad capable of challenging for titles, which we’ve managed again this year, just like last year."

On Kang-in Lee’s start to the season, Enrique expressed:

"He’s one of those players who arrived last year from Mallorca, and he’s reinforced all the ideas we had about him. He’s a top-level player, an international capable of scoring, providing assists, and playing in various positions. There are other young players in PSG who share similar traits."

When discussing PSV Eindhoven, he said:

"It's tough to assess their level. We can look at their performances against Arsenal or Girona, but we must also consider whether they were playing at home or away, as that changes everything: the atmosphere, the refereeing, etc.! They’re undoubtedly a top-quality rival; they win comfortably in their league with remarkable figures. They have the potential to cause us problems, and it will be a challenging match."

As for what to expect against PSV, who are unbeaten in their league but struggling in the Champions League, he added:

"It’ll be quite similar to the game against Strasbourg—a difficult match that won’t be comfortable for us as they play well away from their goal and press effectively. Their two goals in the Champions League came from that.

They’re a team that dares to hold onto the ball, playing very well with Luuk de Jong (the centre-forward) and their wingers. They know how to play well defensively too. I think the score will determine how aggressive PSV will be as the match progresses. The Champions League is very tough, but we’re at home at the Parc des Princes tomorrow and we’re eager for a positive result."

Finally, regarding Achraf Hakimi's performances, Enrique remarked:

"Honestly, it’s quite similar to last year. I believe he’s even a bit better defensively; he’s more effective. Hakimi is a top-level player; he’s both young and highly experienced, very competitive, and a reference point for his teammates. I see him as more mature, and that’s great. It shows he’s developing."