Luis Enrique’s Fiery Press Moment: PSG Preps for Leverkusen with a Sharp Edge
20 October 2025
PSG's Enrique Fires Back at Critics Ahead of Leverkusen Test
Spanish coach Luis Enrique, PSG's manager, exploded in anger toward journalists ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, the third group-stage game.
Asked about the perceived "modest" performance of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who joined PSG this summer, Enrique responded with a measured but pointed smile: "This tone repeats every season. I’m very happy with Chevalier's attitude, with his performances and his personality—he's one of the best options, the perfect choice."
From Donnarumma's Criticism to Chevalier's Spotlight
He added that he is very happy with Chevalier's performance and that when you sign a player you think long and hard; he has a distinctive personality, shown in training and matches. He reminded reporters how many years you criticized Gianluigi Donnarumma and said you did him a disservice—"you killed him sportingly."
"Even when I wasn't the PSG coach, I felt the media attacked Donnarumma," Enrique said. "When you guard PSG's goal you must live with that; I admire Chevalier's performance and personality and trust his abilities; he will be a pillar for years."
He then noted that Donnarumma left PSG this summer to join Manchester City after four seasons and a clash with the club over contract negotiations ahead of a 2026 expiry.
Enrique also spoke about Ousmane Dembélé's return to the squad after more than six weeks out due to injury, and cited the presence of other players like Marquinhos and injuries status of Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz as the team monitors fitness.
He praised new signings Willian Batcho and Nuno Mendes, saying we signed Batcho because we know his qualities; he is a youthful, defensively strong player who can still improve, with the attitude the club values. For Mendes, he noted a player who can contribute both as defender and as an attacker and stressed the need to manage international players amid a busy schedule.
On the Leverkusen clash, Enrique warned that the Champions League path is tough and that tomorrow's match will be a good test for both teams. "We are happy after the first two wins, but Leverkusen will be different," he said. "It's hard to gauge their strength given their squad and a new coach, but they are a compact defensive unit capable of scoring."
"We have relied on many academy players who have shown merit; the season's start was tough, but we adapted with flexibility. The Leverkusen match is crucial to quickly pick up points; we won't overthink—just aim to win," he added.
PSG, the defending European champions, started this campaign with a 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes and a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Montjuïc. Leverkusen have one point after a draw with Pafos and a loss to Arsenal; they sit fifth in the Bundesliga, chasing Borussia Dortmund after a rocky spell.
In short, PSG looks to keep its European surge going as Leverkusen arrive with their own resolve, and the press will likely have more headlines by the time the whistle blows.
Punchline 1: If sarcasm were a goal, Enrique just scored a hat-trick and saved the corner flag for afters.
Punchline 2: Don’t worry journalists—your next piece is already in the mail, and yes, it’s full of quotes you’ll print anyway.
