Luis Enrique Addresses PSG's Challenges Ahead of Coupe de France Match vs Paris FC

On the eve of the Coupe de France round of 16 clash between PSG and Paris FC, scheduled for Monday at 21:10, Luis Enrique held a press conference at the Campus in Poissy.

Despite the current intense period for PSG, where matches are coming thick and fast, Luis Enrique faced questions regarding contract renewals. He addressed his own situation, Ousmane Dembélé’s circumstances, and the upcoming winter transfer market during the press conference held at the Campus on Sunday, a day before their Coupe de France match against Paris FC. Enrique also commented on the management of Gonçalo Ramos, who, paradoxically, is the team’s top scorer despite limited playing time.

Highlights from Luis Enrique’s Press Conference

More Playing Time for Gonçalo Ramos?

“When you sign a contract with a major club like PSG, you cannot predict your playing time. Your responsibility is to be ready for your team and club. That’s exactly what G. Ramos does. He exemplifies what it means to be a professional player. He is always prepared and never frustrated. He wants to play more minutes, and he deserves it. I am very pleased to have a player like him; he is our top scorer.”

Luis Enrique on Current Contract Negotiations

“There are always rumors surrounding PSG. We are used to it; it’s private and will remain so. There are many fake news stories. It’s crucial to destabilize players and the team, but none of that will happen. It’s normal to have negotiations, but they remain private. We know what we want, and that’s what matters. We are calm and collected. Typically, you need to manage issues on the pitch, but right now, we are being targeted with fake news from the outside. This has nothing to do with our team.”

Match Against Paris FC, a Week After the Derby in Ligue 1

“Playing every four days is more positive than every ten days. However, the travel can be exhausting. There is a two-hour time difference with Kuwait, and the journey took five hours. We are accustomed to it, and it’s not an excuse. We love the Coupe de France. We remain focused on this match, which will be different and special. It feels like a final. We want to progress in this competition.”

Should PSG Retain Ousmane Dembélé?

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(After a long pause, he added) “This is a question for the sporting management.”

A Lifetime Contract for Luis Enrique at PSG?

“We move forward. If you look at my past statements, it’s very clear.”

Lucas Chevalier, Starting Tomorrow in the Coupe de France?

“I usually don’t change my opinion on players based on three matches. Typically, there is a significant and intense improvement in what a player does well or poorly. One match does not alter our perspective.”

The Right Moment for PSG to Gain Momentum

“It’s always important to evolve both individually and collectively. We need to win matches, starting with tomorrow, to continue in the competition.”

Luis Enrique on His Team’s Ability to Turn Matches Around in Injury Time

“You’re speaking about this season, but if you assess from last season, we have turned around many matches as well. You need luck in those moments. However, our team’s mentality is different. When you repeat the same thing multiple times, it’s not luck. We still need to improve certain aspects to avoid being in those situations at the end of the match.”

Achraf Hakimi Gaining Playing Time with Morocco

“Hakimi is doing well. He played the last match in full for Morocco. He is in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, just like ‘Ibé’ (Ibrahim Mbaye). It’s important for us that he takes the time to recover from his injury. He is not yet at 100%. When he returns to Paris, he needs to be in the best condition.”