Sundayin the cadre of the 32nd finals of the 2024-2025 Coupe de France, Paris Saint-Germain will face Lens au Bollaert Stadium (kick-off at 9 p.m., diffusion on beIN SPORTS). On the eve of this meeting, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique “I don’t think I’m going to spin particularly. I have a lot of options to field the team. »
What is the outcome of 2024 and what do you hope for 2025?
The results are positive, very positive. We have a lot of hope for the coming year.
Do you plan to rotate or keep the same starting lineup tomorrow?
Normally, in the first round of the Coupe du France, it is not usual for such teams to face each other. So I don't think I'll run it particularly. I have a lot of options to field the team. We are the defending champion and we want to win again, so does tomorrow's match.
Luis Enrique “Our obligation as a club is to be attentive to opportunities. But it is very difficult to improve the squad. »
Between a goalscorer, a winger or a finally official contract extension, what do you want as a Christmas present?
A new contract? (laughs) I am very happy with my squad, it has been much improved. Our obligation as a club is to be alert to opportunities. But it is very difficult to improve the squad. We want to develop the talent of our young players. For this transfer window, we have a very good team.
A fear that the truce will break the positive dynamic? What improvements do you want at the start of 2025?
No, I don't think so. The break does not stop the team, it continues to develop. The transfer window is an opportunity to improve, but it is very difficult. Last season, we had more than 10 recruits. There is no urgency. But if the opportunity to improve the team is there, great. Otherwise, we have a very good team and the goal is to develop it.
Luis Enrique “He's lucky the shoe isn't flashy. »
How is Donnarumma?
He does not have any particular pain, even if the injury is difficult to see it does not have serious repercussions. He's lucky the shoe isn't flashy.
A drop in performance from Barcola, could competition be positive?
I'm happy with Barcola. After the first 10 games, it was Maradona for you. And suddenly you don't like him because his numbers have gone down. So it's another player…but it doesn't work like that. I'm very happy with him, with Ousmane, with Lee…with everyone who participates.
Even if the goal is always to improve. In a year, all performances go up or down. The objective is that over the year we are competitive and that we move forward. When a striker scores, maybe it's a better time.
Luis Enrique “If we ask Lens, it’s probably not the draw he wanted. Neither do we. »
Are you under pressure tomorrow?
If we ask Lens, it’s probably not the draw he wanted. Neither do we. It's not ideal, but that's how the draw is. We have to play against Lens, that’s how it is. Last year, we hosted teams from Ligue 1 and it wasn't a good draw for them either. It's an interesting competition, but difficult.
Is Nuno Mendes ready?
In principle yes, the discomfort is gone and he is ready.
Luis Enrique » I like the players to rest, you have to be able to disconnect. »
Do you give a program to the players during the holidays or is it a full break?
In this case, it depends. We had a very full schedule, also in January if we qualified in the competitions. There is still one match left to decide what we are going to do during this period. It also depends on the players and their needs.
Some people need to rest, to disconnect. Others have a workload. Some all players because they haven't had much time to work. It's individualized, there is no standard for the team. I like the players to rest, you have to be able to disconnect and pull yourself together.
Osimhen is still mentioned at PSG, the club has resumed contact with him, is he a player that you like?
I'm not talking about players who are not at the club. THANKS.
