Following their narrow victory over Brest last weekend, the players from Paris Saint-Germain are virtually certain to secure the league title. Even a potential loss against their closest rivals in Wednesday’s rescheduled match will likely not change the final standings.
“Champion at 99.9%”: this is how Luis Enrique describes the current status of Paris Saint-Germain as they prepare to travel to Lens this Wednesday. Boasting a six-point lead and a superior goal difference of fifteen strikes with only two games remaining, the league outcome seems inevitable, regardless of the result at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
This lack of genuine suspense is a welcome scenario for the Parisian manager, whose focus has shifted entirely: “The goal is to reach May 30 in the best possible physical, mental, individual, and collective shape,” he noted, referring to the upcoming Champions League final against Arsenal. For the coaching staff, this means managing minor injuries, resting key veterans, and ensuring the entire squad maintains a competitive rhythm.
“Balancing the workload”
During the semi-final second leg in Munich, eight of the eleven Parisian starters had played fewer than 1,350 minutes in Ligue 1—roughly the equivalent of 16 full matches out of 31. Consistent with his philosophy of physiological management, Luis Enrique is open about his intentions: he may not field his strongest lineup against the second-placed team, even though Lens represents the last high-level test before the European final. “My priority is to analyze and manage individual minutes so we arrive at the Champions League final in peak condition,” the former coach of La Roja explained after Sunday’s 1-0 win over Brest.
“I am confident we will be competitive against Lens and Paris FC, but the ultimate objective remains the match on May 30.”
Luis Enrique, PSG manager,speaking at a press conference.
The players share this pragmatic outlook. “Lens is a formidable opponent, but a Champions League final is a completely different world,” remarked Désiré Doué, the match-winner against Brest. “Nothing we have faced this season will truly compare to it.” While some attackers were rested over the weekend, players like Fabian Ruiz and Marquinhos, who played significant minutes in Munich and against Brest, might be the next to receive a break, depending on the manager’s assessment of their fitness needs.
Confirming tactical adjustments
The Parisian staff is also using these final league fixtures to solidify recent tactical shifts. Lucas Beraldo’s transition into a defensive midfield role over the past month appears permanent, having featured there in the closing stages of matches against Liverpool and Munich. Similarly, Senny Mayulu’s performance as a right-back has been a highlight for the team.
“To play as a full-back for Paris Saint-Germain, you first need a massive engine,” Luis Enrique analyzed. “That is what Hakimi and Warren [Zaïre-Emery] possess. Senny Mayulu has that engine too, which is vital. Beyond that, he has shown the necessary quality on both ends of the pitch.” After impressive displays against Lorient and Brest, the 19-year-old now has the chance to prove against tougher opposition that he is a reliable alternative for the final should Achraf Hakimi remain unavailable.
Even in the Lens camp, the intensity of this “title decider” has faded. The match could have carried more weight had it not been postponed by the league at PSG’s request, a move that met with significant resistance from Lens at the time. “Second place is secured; our focus is now on the Coupe de France,” stated Pierre Sage, whose team is preparing for a final against Nice following their recent win over FC Nantes.
The Lens manager had already conceded the title race before the Paris win over Brest. “We tried to push them, but we missed a few opportunities in what has been an imperfect season. To beat them, you need perfection,” he admitted. He also offered a prediction regarding the European stage: “Congratulations to them on another title, and likely a second Champions League trophy as well.”
