Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Spanish coach expressed his desire to fully enjoy the upcoming fixture against their closest rival, a match that could officially crown PSG as French champions this Wednesday.
Just three days after their crucial 1-0 victory over Brest, which virtually guaranteed their 14th French championship, Paris Saint-Germain now has the chance to officially seal their title. The Champions League finalists are set to visit their runner-up, Racing Club de Lens, this Wednesday evening (9 PM) for a rescheduled match from Ligue 1’s 29th round. A draw or a win in this Lens PSG celebration match will officially confirm their triumph, given their current six-point lead.
During his press briefing on Tuesday, Luis Enrique emphasized his eagerness to relish this fixture, which he views as a grand festival for French football. The Spanish tactician also took a moment to commend Pierre Sage, the coach of Lens, for earning the title of Best Manager of the Season at Monday’s UNFP Trophies.
Can this Lens PSG celebration match serve as a preparatory ground for the Champions League final for available key players, or do you intend to implement the same extensive squad rotation strategy as seen against Brest?
LUIS ENRIQUE. Both teams find themselves in comparable situations: we have the Champions League final on the 30th, and Lens will contest the Coupe de France final on the 22nd. The playing time for tomorrow’s encounter will be managed differently, as we need to consider individual player data. I believe Pierre Sage will adopt a similar approach to mine, and we should genuinely enjoy tomorrow’s game. It truly is a celebration for French football! We anticipate a highly entertaining match where we’ll aim to showcase our capabilities.
Did you anticipate Lens offering such strong competition?
We have consistently highlighted Lens’s remarkable achievements this season. At the outset, no one could have predicted their impressive journey. Since my arrival, this is the first time a team has truly challenged us, which served as a significant motivation. They absolutely deserve their spot in the Champions League. Our congratulations go out to them. Tomorrow (Wednesday), we look forward to a high-caliber contest against a Champions League-worthy side. And once again, congratulations to Pierre Sage for his team’s playing style.
“We will demonstrate the kind of team we are”
Is it a concern not to have any matches during the thirteen days between the final Ligue 1 fixture and the Champions League final?
Effectively managing both games is crucial. This encounter against Lens comes just three days after the Brest match. Some players are under medical observation, while others have played two consecutive games. We will manage each individual’s load, aiming to showcase our team’s identity and ambition. Every time we don this jersey, it carries immense responsibility. I perceive this upcoming fixture as a festive occasion in one of France’s premier stadiums. We are highly motivated! This serves as the optimal preparation for the Champions League final. We will prepare thoroughly, planning an internal scrimmage a weekend before the final, which will constitute our training load. I am not at all concerned. When your objective is to play in a final, whether you have a month or just a day of rest, it won’t be an issue; you will be ready!
Why were you not present at the UNFP Trophies on Monday?
I never attend these kinds of celebratory events. I prefer to remain at home, dedicating my time to studying opponents like Arsenal. I am pleased to witness PSG players being recognized; their accolades are well-deserved. Those who received awards truly earned them. My congratulations extend once more to Pierre Sage, as he thoroughly merits the Best Coach of the Season trophy. His accomplishments are truly incredible.
“Luis Enrique is always proud of himself”
Éric Roy and Pierre Sage have both praised your team’s season. Are you moved by this visible support for PSG from across French football?
It’s incredibly positive. Éric Roy has consistently spoken highly of us; he’s a gentleman I deeply respect. He himself had previously won the Best Coach title. Witnessing this recognition is truly encouraging. We appreciate these sentiments and are genuinely pleased. It feels deserved because we always strive to show respect to our adversaries, including teams like Olympique Marseille. It’s wonderful to experience such positive sentiment.
How do you assess Fabián Ruiz’s return to competition?
He’s a player who might appear slow, yet he’s actually one of the quickest! He’s a distinctive player, and I genuinely admire him. Fabián Ruiz provides both the physical prowess and technical skill to execute plays both on and off the ball. He was sidelined for nearly three months, and upon his return, he contributed significantly. I am delighted to have him available. With almost all our players back in readiness, the situation is overwhelmingly positive.
Is the Luis Enrique who arrived in 2023 proud of the Luis Enrique of 2026?
Luis Enrique is perpetually proud of himself, especially in moments of defeat. I have experienced numerous losses, but I maintain immense pride in what I embody, as I represent my family. And for me, my family is paramount.
