Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique says Lille is a formidable opponent.

2026-01-16 03:13

Paris Saint-Germain will face Lille at the Parc des Princes in a key match of Ligue 1's 18th round. Manager Luis Enrique admitted in the pre-match press conference that Lille is a formidable opponent.

Facing a formidable Lille side, Enrique believes his team will face a tough test, but he hopes they can learn from their previous cup defeat and get back on track at home.

"When we analyzed Lille, we found that they handled the game exceptionally well, both with and without the ball," Enrique said, giving his opponents high praise. He pointed out that Lille possesses extremely high tactical awareness and player quality, making them one of the top teams in the league.

Enrique, reflecting on past encounters, said: "It's always a tough match, every time we play against them. This time we'll be playing at home, which is a good test to see how we respond after a loss. We hope to put on a good performance."

Regarding the unexpected defeat to Paris FC, Enrique firmly believes the team deserved a victory. However, he emphasizes that it's time to look forward: "While we accept the result, I hope that loss can serve as motivation, inspiring us to give more in the league and the Champions League."

As the season progresses, managing the packed schedule becomes crucial. Enrique revealed that this season's squad management is very unique, with the focus shifting entirely to recovery rather than simply training.