Luis Enrique calls PSG's start to season 'catastrophic' ahead of Bratislava clash

Luis Enrique did not mince words at a press conference on Tuesday, ahead of Slovan Bratislava’s visit to Parc des Princes for the opening of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. “If we only talk about results, it’s a catastrophic start to the season,” said the Spanish coach, referring to two draws conceded against Rennes (2-2) and Lille (2-2) as well as a defeat to Monaco (1-2) in Ligue 1.

Nevertheless, the PSG manager refuses to give in to worry. “I am calm but we need to improve, stay more focused,” he insisted, believing his players deserved more points given their performances. “As a coach, we try to highlight everything that happens on the pitch. There are things to improve but we deserve more points.”

Luis Enrique has nonetheless identified two priority areas for improvement: offensive efficiency and sustained concentration. “Football is not a fair sport. There are matches where you deserve more than your opponent and the result doesn’t come. We need to improve our efficiency and our ability to stay focused.”

On the European stage, PSG’s coach is ambitious but cautious. While he describes the match against Slovan Bratislava as an “apparently easy game”, he reminds that the UEFA Champions League remains “the most difficult” of competitions. “We’re looking to make a very good start. We need to stay focused,” he warned. His objective for this league phase is clear: “I would like to be in the top eight and avoid the playoffs.”