PSG Chief Sets Clear Tone: Injuries, Strategy, and a 55-Year-Old Coach’s Take on a Young Strasbourg Test

Injury Talk and the Road Ahead

Luis Enrique, head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, addressed the ongoing controversy over injuries within the squad, the recent clashes with the French Football Federation, and other topics ahead of PSG's first test after the October international break.

Upcoming Matches and Standings

PSG will host Strasbourg tomorrow, Friday, to open the eighth round of Ligue 1, before traveling to Bayer Leverkusen for the Champions League group-stage clash.

Team News and Reflections

PSG sit top of Ligue 1 with 16 points, while Olympique de Marseille, Olympique Lyon, and Strasbourg follow on 15 points each.

Enrique told PSG TV that the squad has finally come together with the return of the internationals, and the first match after the break is always tough.

He added that Strasbourg is one of the league's best sides and that the match will be a strong test; they know Strasbourg's level, and they must be ready for any challenge as it's an even contest with a young, well-performing team.

He noted that international breaks often bring surprises and that they must wait for players to arrive to assess fitness since every case is different.

Regarding the French federation's statement about Parkola's chronic thigh issue and playing while injured, Enrique said he doesn't care about the noise, focusing on player safety and team level, and that he can handle tough situations.

When asked whether Willian Batshu is the world's best defender, he replied that next week you will be talking about Marquinhos or another player; it's not the time to judge individuals but to wait until the end of the season.

On a lighter note, Enrique spoke about himself, saying he's 55 and cannot train as a professional athlete, though he remains active and loves sport because it's important to him.

He also returned to injuries: he doesn't know if Marquinhos and Désiré Doi will be ready to face Strasbourg; they will have the first and last training session of the week and will consult players on their condition, hoping injuries in Paris decrease.

He added that they are always aiming to improve players' physical condition; when they return, their readiness can be judged, so they will monitor Dembélé's training return.

Enrique stressed that they are used to working with little time between games; another training session is planned the day before the match, followed by recovery and preparatory sessions, not focusing on tactics before the Leverkusen game.

He concluded that there are many reasons for players' injuries, not a single cause, which is common at the highest levels, and they must live with this issue.

Enrique then praised Portuguese striker Gonzalo Ramos, saying he is an important player regardless of playing time; they are happy with him, his form, and have great faith in him.

Finally, Enrique said mental edge in matches should be directed to opponents, not him; they prepare for every game in the same way, maintaining control and adjusting their style to prevent opponents from predicting them.

PSG, under Enrique, completed three summer signings to bolster the European champions for the 2025-2026 season, focusing on defense and goalkeeping with young players after a large wave of departures from the Parc des Princes.

PSG signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille (23), defender Illya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth (23), and young Italian goalkeeper Renato Marin from Roma (19).

The Parisians aim to defend the trophies won last season, including the Champions League final victory over Inter Milan 5-0, and the European Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, in addition to Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the domestic Super Cup.

Punchline time: If injuries were an Olympic sport, PSG would win gold—medals for bench warmers and a pharmacy full of calming gels. Punchline two: Enrique’s motto could be “Next man up”—just make sure the next man isn’t still on the training table, because creativity beats drama when the ball is rolling.