Luis Enrique: “I hope Mbappé and PSG reach an agreement again”

Luis Enrique has appeared publicly in a press conference just twice since he was unveiled as PSG’s new coach on 5 July - the day of his presentation and today. The Asturian spoke to the media in Poissy to look ahead to this weekend’s Ligue 1 opener against Lorient. As expected, he was asked about Kylian Mbappé, who will not be included in the squad, supporting the decision of president, Al Khelaïfi, that no one is above the club.

“It is an issue that was already resolved in the past in a positive way before I came here. I hope and trust that, as has happened in the past, the club and the player reach an agreement. That is what I would like too. I remember the president’s words: the club is above players and sports directors and I agree 100%”, the coach responded when asked specifically about Mbappé.

The Spanish coach was asked whether he thought the lack of intensity in Ligue 1 might affect PSG negatively when it comes to competing in more demanding competitions such as the Champions League. He replied: “The fact that I have been sitting here for the last month is clearly to change that dynamic,” he said. “We have to be a team that competes 100% in every league and Cup game to reach the Champions League in the best conditions possible. I don’t want a team that relaxes. I want 90 minutes of total football, that we are prepared, professional and that we can give our fans joy. There is a big difference between what I want and what it was like before I came. From what I see and from what my players transmit, the team will have rhythm, although not at 100%, because it’s the first league game. The first game is going to be difficult. Lorient is a very good side that beat us last year and we are going to try to manage it in the best way”.

Neymar and Verratti’s future

He also spoke about Neymar and Verratti, but did not confirm whether either will continue at PSG this season: “As a rule, I tend to keep conversations with the players private. I am not going to pass on what I have told you. I prefer to keep it a secret. My words obviously say things, but my actions say more,” he offered.

As for the start of Ligue 1, he added: “I feel excited about the start of the season. We want to win the first game, for our people have a good time and to start with a win. I’ve been helped since the day I arrived. I am very motivated to get titles and to improve the squad. I feel very motivated.”

Dembélé deal still not done

The former Spain coach, then touched on the transfer market: “Until the last day of the market, you have to be open to continue improving the squad. Luis Campos and I maintain daily contact. Our responsibility is to be open to any option and improve any position. The market is always difficult for everyone, not just for us. You have to accept that it is always open”.

PSG expect Ousmane Dembélé to complete his transfer from Barcelona in the coming days: “Dembélé is not going to play tomorrow because he is not a PSG player yet. I don’t know what flecks are left to sort out. It’s 99% certain that Dembélé will be a PSG player, but not 100% at the moment,” he said.

And to conclude, a few words about promising young player, Warren Zaïre-Emery: “My rule is not to say who is going to start until tomorrow afternoon. In the morning we will announce the squad. In the afternoon I will tell the players who is in the starting XI. Zaïre-Emery is a very intelligent player, very good technically. I love him. I think that a club like PSG must, of course, be open to strengthening itself and Warren Zaïre-Emery has everything to succeed in Paris”.