Luis Enrique: Players aren't machines, there's no reason to worry

Following two stellar seasons in which Paris Saint-Germain captured both the Champions League and the French Ligue 1 title, the team is currently enduring a slow start to the domestic campaign. Five games in, PSG sit down in sixth place after recording only two wins. As they prepare to return to action at home against Le Mans, manager Luis Enrique addressed several key talking points in his pre-match press conference:

On the international break
It was a different kind of break because it was so long. After those three weeks, things have been a bit more complicated for us.

On Kvaratskhelia's dip in form with Georgia
Players aren't machines. It's completely natural to experience peaks and valleys. There is no cause for concern.

Do you agree that Ousmane Dembele underperformed for France?
I don't agree with the criticism. In my view, he was brilliant as usual during his time with the national team. He is a special player—someone worth buying a ticket to watch at the stadium. He is always looking to make things happen, ready to shoot and link up with his teammates. I think he did very well. Following the international break, we assess each player's recovery individually. That is why we decided Nuno and Ousmane needed some rest to prepare for our upcoming Ligue 1 and Champions League matches. That will be standard procedure throughout the season.

On Desire Doue
As always, he is a machine! Desire plays very good football. He might have games where he lacks a bit of precision, but the exact same applies to Ousmane, Kvara, Fabian, Joao, Vitinha, and everyone else. That is normal and doesn't worry me. What matters most is that he consistently proves he is ready to step up at any given moment. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he must maintain that readiness in training. Developing that mindset takes time, and I am delighted knowing he is prepared.

Is PSG's style an inspiration for Zidane with the national team?
I don't know. But what I saw in France's early matches under him were clear attacking principles built on winning: keeping possession, pressing high, player chemistry, and forging a genuine team identity. That is the hardest part of managing a national side because you don't have the time to work day in, day out and build those relationships. However, the quality of the squad Zidane called up was very encouraging.

Frustration with media narratives
You journalists always jump to extremes, and I try to serve as a counterbalance. If we win easily, it is said that the opponents were weak. But if we start the season with a couple of draws and a loss to Monaco, suddenly we are deemed a disaster with no chance of winning the league or the Champions League.