Unusually scheduled on a Sunday, Luis Enrique spoke to the media ahead of PSG’s Coupe de France Round of 16clash against Paris FC this Monday night (9:10pm). The Spanish coach strongly praised Gonçalo Ramos, firmly dismissed ongoing contract rumors, and once again warned against what he calls “fake news” surrounding the club.
Here are his full comments.
On Gonçalo Ramos’ motivation despite limited minutes
“Of course Gonçalo Ramos deserves more playing time”
“When you sign for a big club like Paris Saint-Germain, you don’t know how many minutes you’re going to play. But when you sign that contract, your responsibility is to be ready to help the team and represent the club.
That’s exactly what Gonçalo Ramos does — like many players in this squad. He’s a perfect example of what a professional player should be. He’s always ready. It doesn’t matter if he’s frustrated or annoyed.
Of course I know he wants to play more. Of course he deserves more minutes — I know that. But he clearly shows what it means to be a PSG player.
I’m very happy to have him. He’s the team’s top scorer this season (10 goals). His numbers this season, and in previous seasons, are incredible.”
On contract negotiations and squad harmony
“There are many people outside trying to destabilize our club with fake news”
“These are rumors — there are always rumors around PSG. We’re used to it.
These matters are private. Very private. There are a lot of fake news surrounding PSG all the time.
Some people think it’s important to destabilize the club, the players, the team. But nothing like that is going to happen.
Negotiations are normal. Important moments are normal. But this remains private. We know what we want — that’s the most important thing.
We are calm. We are relaxed. As usual.
Normally, you should be dealing with problems on the pitch. But right now, many people outside are trying to destabilize the club with fake news. And that has nothing to do with reality.”
When asked again if negotiations could affect motivation:
“It was private, it is private, and it will remain private.”
On facing Paris FC again so soon
“It’s better to play every four days than every ten days”
“I think it’s more positive to play every four days than every ten days. In that sense, we have an advantage.
The real problem is travel. That’s what’s tiring. There were only two hours of time difference, but five or six hours of travel.
We’re used to it. It’s not an excuse.
We like the Coupe de France. It’s a special competition. We know this match is different — you can either continue or be eliminated. And of course, we want to continue.”
On Ousmane Dembélé’s future and Ballon d’Or status
(Luis Enrique remains silent for about ten seconds, smiles, then answers)
“That’s a question for the sporting direction. When you speak to Luis Campos, you can ask him.”
On the idea of a “lifetime contract” at PSG
(Luis Enrique closes his eyes and pretends to snore, then laughs)
“We move on. If you look at what I’ve said in the past, it’s very clear. And nothing has changed.”
On Lucas Chevalier after his performance vs Marseille
“Tomorrow, we’ll see what our choice is.
But I don’t change my opinion of players after one, two, or three matches. That’s not how it works.
There’s a very broad, very detailed evaluation of what a player does well and less well. One match changes nothing.”
On individual and collective momentum
“It’s always important to enjoy the process and keep improving — individually and collectively.
This is a moment where you must win matches to stay in competitions. And then there are still many months ahead.
It’s important to raise our level ahead of Champions League matches and big Ligue 1 games.
There are more strong opponents this season in Ligue 1, and it’s important to show our quality every match.”
On PSG’s late comebacks and mental strength
“When you do the same thing many times, it’s not luck”
“You mentioned this season, but if you analyze previous seasons, we also came back many times last year.
Of course, you need some luck. But the mentality of this team is different.
When you do the same thing many times, it’s not coincidence.
That’s very positive. But of course, we must improve to avoid being in those situations too often.”
On Achraf Hakimi at AFCON
“He’s doing well. He’s played all the recent matches and reached the semi-finals, like ‘Ibé’ (Mbaye).
That’s good news.
Recovering from an injury is one thing — being 100% fit is another. He’s not at 100% yet, but it’s important he gets minutes with his national team and returns in the best possible condition.”
On maintaining hunger after a historic season
“To be honest, improving on last season is impossible”
“Improving would only be possible if there were a Club World Cup this year — but that happens every four years.
We spoke with the players about motivation. What do we want for the future? For this season?
The key is enjoying the journey — every training session — not thinking about trophies, because trophies are the final step.
The key is staying focused on the present, on what we do well, and on what we can improve.
This is a special group. A different group. And I’m very happy to work with players like this.”