PSG Coach Luis Enrique Optimistic Ahead of Crucial Lens Clash

POISSY, France — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique expressed confidence in his team’s form ahead of their Ligue 1 clash against Lens on Saturday, January 17, 2025, despite key absences and a demanding schedule. Speaking at a press conference, Enrique highlighted the team’s strong training performances and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

“Sincerely, if I judge by what I see in training, the team is in one of the best moments of the season,” Enrique said. However, he dismissed any premature talk of securing the league title, noting that Marseille and Monaco remain close contenders. “Marseille is 7 points behind, Monaco is 10. The calendar is very demanding, and there are still many points at stake,” he added.

Enrique reflected on PSG’s previous encounters with Lens, emphasizing the need for adaptability. “This will be the third time we face them, and each match has been different. The first time, they pressed a lot. The second, in the Cup, they were more cautious. We’ll see tomorrow in a stadium with a great atmosphere,” he said.

When asked about managing player fatigue ahead of the Champions League match against Manchester City, Enrique stressed the importance of maintaining momentum. “We are in a good dynamic. We prefer to arrive with a victory, and then we can talk about City and Stuttgart,” he said, referencing PSG’s upcoming European fixtures.

Injury updates were also a key topic, with Enrique confirming that Marquinhos is recovering well but has not yet trained with the team, while Ousmane Dembélé is sidelined with a minor virus. “Marqui is doing very well, but he hasn’t trained with us. Ousmane has a virus, nothing serious, but he won’t be available tomorrow,” Enrique explained.

Enrique also addressed the form of young forward Bradley Barcola, praising his recent performances. “Bradley has found his way back to scoring and delivering assists. I’m very happy with his progress since last year,” he said. The coach emphasized his openness to rotating players based on form and fitness, highlighting Barcola’s versatility across attacking positions.

Regarding the team’s tactical approach, Enrique dismissed the notion that long-range shots are undervalued. “Every chance to score is useful. We are a team that prefers associative play, but I don’t limit my players. We have players capable of taking their chances from distance,” he said.

Enrique also touched on the challenges of managing squad depth and potential transfers, noting that arrivals depend on departures. “It’s an objective to have two players per position, but it’s not something we can achieve immediately. For new players to come, others must leave,” he said.

As PSG prepares for a critical stretch of matches, Enrique’s optimism and strategic flexibility will be put to the test. The team’s ability to navigate a packed schedule while maintaining focus on multiple fronts will determine their success in both domestic and European competitions.