Luis Enrique says fixture reversal changes nothing. PSG coach praises Mika Godts' signing and gives an update on Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes ahead of the Stade Rennes game. Here is the full pre-match press conference.
Though he must travel to Rennes on Sunday, Luis Enrique was at the training centre on Saturday. The PSG coach appeared at a news conference in the early afternoon and addressed the many topics surrounding this Rennes-PSG match.
Already launched into its 2026-27 marathon, PSG begins its league campaign Sunday at Rennes. A reversed fixture that will take place at Roazhon Park, but one that “changes nothing” in Luis Enrique’s eyes, since his team plays every match to win.
The PSG coach appeared at a news conference and revisited the current topics surrounding his team. He notably discussed the signing of Mika Godts, whom he already regards as a “high-level” player.
How did you take the news of the fixture reversal?
“As usual. For us, it changes nothing in our preparation, because we prepare for every match the same way. Whether at home or away, we aim to be as competitive as possible. It’s true that it’s different, and you have to adapt.”
Why does it matter to you to sign players with a Parisian identity?
“If you sign a French or French-speaking player, it’s easier for integration. For the language, above all, it's the most spoken in the locker room. But the most important thing isn’t the language you speak, but your quality as a player. I think we did a very good job last year, and we keep trying to improve the team.”
Nuno Mendes is suspended. What does that change for you?
“All three are high-level players, internationals. Nuno Mendes can attack and defend at a very high level. The two Lucas have different characteristics, but I’m happy to have so many options. They are very reliable players.”
You start the season with four away trips. How can that affect the beginning of your campaign?
“You have to adapt to the circumstances and adapt to the schedule. I would like to have other options, but that’s how it is; we can’t control it. We see it as a challenge, and we aim to perform.”
Is the condition of the Parc des Princes pitch a concern for the start of your season? What do you think of the possibility of playing both matches at Rennes?
“We aim to play attacking football, attractive and fun for our supporters. We need a pitch in the best condition, like the Parc des Princes usually is. As for the rules, there is a principle. When you start a competition, it must be equal for all teams. That’s not possible when you play twice away or at home against the same opponent. You have to play each opponent home and away.”
Do you need to improve to be effective away from home?
“I don’t know what our level is right now; it’s the first league match. But what I saw this week in training in terms of intensity makes me think we’re going to improve again compared to last year. There will be players left off the team sheet; it’s unfair, but those are our new conditions. We aim to have the most options. The players must accept it and take it on board in the best possible way.”
Is the Parisian transfer window finished in terms of arrivals? What do you think of the signing of Mika Godts?
“It’s never finished because we always stay open to possibilities until the last day. We signed some very fine options to create even more possibilities and keep trying to win. That’s what motivates us. I’m very happy with what we’ve done. Mika Godts is a high-level attacker; he has quality, he’s only 20, he can play anywhere, and he has the right mentality. As soon as I spoke with him, I saw his ambition to come here. It’s very important for us that the players who come know they are joining the club that won the last two Champions Leagues. When you win, as we have, that’s the key.”
Can you give us an update on Joao Neves, and how do you view the sanction handed to Nuno Mendes?
“Joao Neves is ready. He had a small problem, and we didn’t take any risks. As for Mendes, there’s no point in commenting on his sanction.”
