In Paris, on the eve of the rescheduled Ligue 1 matchday 26 game against Nantes, PSG head coach Luis Enrique gave a tough statement regarding the club’s transfer policy. According to him, the decision not to make large-scale player acquisitions was deliberate and justified, despite a packed schedule and injuries within the squad. Enrique stressed that a mass reinforcement of the lineup would have been illogical and would not have been beneficial, while relying on the current players ensured stability and team spirit.
The coach noted that the upcoming game against Nantes will not be an easy walk for PSG. He warned that underestimating the opponent is dangerous, especially towards the end of the season when teams in a difficult situation show maximum motivation. In Enrique’s opinion, such matches are often harder than games against stronger teams and require full concentration from every player.
Rotation and injuries
The question of possible goalkeeper rotation and whether Lucas Chevalier will start remains open. Enrique stated that the lineup decision will be made right before the match based on current form and the game’s objectives. He also commented on the situation with injured players, particularly Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, noting that their return depends on their recovery dynamics and that no one is planning to rush their rehabilitation.
The coach paid special attention to the role of Lucas Beraldo, who was moved to midfield due to a lack of options in central defense. According to Enrique, this decision gave the team new tactical possibilities, and the player himself performed at his best thanks to his technical skills and physical fitness.
Competition and attitude
During the press conference, Luis Enrique also commented on the situation with Ibrahim Mbaye, who was not included in the squad for the match against Lyon. The coach explained this by saying competition within the team is high and emphasized that every appearance for PSG should be a special moment for a player. He added that he expects maximum commitment from all players, regardless of their status in the team.
The question of whether Fabian Ruiz’s return to the starting lineup could be accelerated due to Vitinha’s injury was answered unequivocally: the coach does not intend to change his plans for a single player and adheres to a standard approach to injury recovery. Enrique noted that Ruiz already played against Lyon, which positively affected both his form and the team’s condition.
Context and comparisons
The situation around PSG and their approach to building the squad is reminiscent of the recent successes of other Spanish clubs, where an emphasis on internal reserves and team unity has produced results. For example, the Real Madrid youth team recently won their second UEFA Youth League title, which was made possible by the squad’s confidence and cohesion rather than mass transfers — you can learn more about this in the article about Madrid youth team’s victory in the Youth League.
In the coming days, PSG not only faces Nantes, but also important matches in the league and Champions League. According to Luis Enrique, the team is prepared for a tense season finale and will fight to win every match, regardless of the opponent’s status or squad issues.
