Luis Enrique has shaken up PSG’s lineup for the Monaco match, leaving Ferran and Dembélé out of the starting eleven. The coach is still searching for his first league win after two draws.
PSG is still looking for its first Ligue 1 win under Luis Enrique, and the coach has made some notable changes ahead of the Monaco match. Both Ferran and Dembélé start on the bench, a move that comes just days before the Champions League opener and signals a shift in Enrique’s approach.
Ferran, currently PSG’s top scorer this season, is left out of the starting eleven despite being the only forward with more than one goal so far. Dembélé, who is reportedly close to signing a contract extension with PSG until 2030, is also among the substitutes. Kvaratskhelia returns to the starting lineup, and Zaïre-Emery stays at left-back, with the midfield unchanged.
Akliouche, alongside Kvaratskhelia, was named in PSG's starting lineup for the Monaco match, as confirmed by multiple official squad announcements.
The full PSG lineup for the Monaco game: Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Zaïre-Emery, Joao Neves, Fabián, Vitinha, Doué, Kvaratskhelia, and Akliouche. This setup shows Enrique’s intent to address both the lack of goals and defensive problems that have troubled the team in the opening matches. Matchday reports from French sports media confirm that Ferran Torres and Dembélé are on the bench as part of Enrique's rotation.
So far, PSG has taken far more shots than its opponents but has not turned that advantage into goals, matching their rivals’ tally. Defensively, the team has conceded three more goals than Monaco, even though they have faced fewer shots on target. These numbers explain Enrique’s decision to shake up the lineup, a point noted in pre-match coverage by Ligue 1 commentators.
Monaco comes to the Parc des Princes facing a PSG side under pressure. After two straight draws, Enrique’s team is still looking for a first league win. With the Champions League debut against Slovan just days away, tonight’s choices will be watched closely for both immediate results and what they mean for PSG’s European campaign.
Pre-match coverage noted that PSG's lineup against Monaco was likely influenced by the upcoming Champions League fixtures, with the club seeking to balance domestic recovery and European preparation after a disappointing start to the Ligue 1 campaign.
Dembélé’s expected contract renewal until 2030 shows the club’s long-term plans for him, but his absence from the starting lineup suggests Enrique is focused on current form and tactics. The midfield remains unchanged, providing some stability as other positions shift. French sports news agencies report that while PSG is building a long-term project around Dembélé, Enrique’s priority right now is results and squad rotation.
PSG’s defensive issues are still a concern. The team has struggled to keep opponents from scoring, even when limiting their chances. Keeping Zaïre-Emery at left-back instead of returning to a more traditional defense is a risk that could affect the outcome tonight.
Enrique’s decision to bench well-known players in favor of those he trusts for this match sends a message to the squad. The pressure is on, and mistakes are costly with each game. In a season with high expectations, these choices could either help PSG turn things around or add to the frustration among fans.
For comparison, recent coverage such as the earlier breakdown of high-stakes decisions in other fields shows how quickly things can change when leaders make bold moves. In football, as elsewhere, shaking up the usual order can separate contenders from the rest. Enrique’s lineup tonight is a test of his authority and his vision for PSG. If it works, it could be the start of a new direction. If not, the scrutiny will only increase.
