Luis Enrique extends PSG contract to 2030: 'Paris is different, Paris is special'

Paris Saint-Germain made official on Monday the extension of Luis Enrique's contract until 2030, an agreement that had already been announced on September 4. To give continuity to the move, the club released an interview recorded before Saturday's 3-1 win against Le Mans, in which the Spanish coach speaks about his bond with the city, the trust of the project and what it means for him to manage the Parisian side.

• PSG confirms Luis Enrique's extension until 2030 after the announcement on September 4.
• The Spanish coach says he has never stayed at one club for so long.
• He underlines his special connection with Luis Campos and the full trust of the president and the fans.
• Luis Enrique defends his playing philosophy and says he is not motivated by comparing himself to other managers.

The longest spell of his coaching career

Luis Enrique is starting his fourth season in charge of PSG, where he arrived in July 2023. It is the first time in his managerial career that he has spent so many consecutive years in the same project, after his experiences at Roma, Celta, Barcelona and the Spanish national team. The coach did not hesitate to underline what he feels for the French capital: 'Paris is different, Paris is special'.

The Asturian explained that there is complete trust from the club, the president and Luis Campos, the sporting advisor. That connection with Campos, according to his words, was different from the very first days. He recalled a phrase he used when he was in charge of Spain: 'I don't know what the result will be after several years, but I know we are going to lose matches. Perhaps we will lose a game, a World Cup qualification or a European Championship qualification playing this way. But I am absolutely convinced that this way of playing is the best way to win'.

Normally I don't always manage to establish that connection. In Paris a genuine connection has emerged with the fans and with the club. I am a foreigner, but I hope to remain linked to this city for the rest of my life.

Making history and winning while having fun: Luis Enrique's ambition at PSG

The manager is clear about the first big goal since his arrival: to make history at the club. His competitive mentality is not limited to official matches; it extends to every training session, every working day and even to padel matches against Achraf Hakimi. 'I want to win the padel match against Achraf Hakimi, then win the match the next day, win in training, win the next game. The goal is always the same: to win and keep winning,' he said.

Luis Enrique wants his team to be remembered as a respectful, brave and ambitious side made up of very talented players. He also considers it essential that fans enjoy watching PSG play and that children understand that it is possible to compete and win without giving up enjoyment. In that sense, he particularly valued one detail: in recent years, people with no specific connection to the club have told him that they like the football his team plays. For him, that is a wonderful compliment.

A self-critical coach with no obsession for comparisons

The Spanish coach defines himself as a person with flaws, aware that he is not perfect and that he keeps making mistakes. He tries to improve every day and does not believe he is always right. His leadership model moves away from the manager who constantly gives orders and focuses on giving players tools to understand the game plan and make the best decisions on the pitch.

Along those lines, he explained that not everything depends on the coach and that players must take on more responsibility. The coaching staff anticipates match situations and rival behaviors, but after that it is the players themselves who have to read what happens on the field. That autonomy is part of his football idea.

The relationship with players and the bond with Luis Campos

Luis Enrique admits that the age gap with the squad scares him a little, although he trusts he can maintain the good relationship he has always had with his footballers. He likes to laugh, joke and be close to the group. He used Vitinha as an example, who sometimes tells him he doesn't know if he is being serious or not; the coach replies that it depends on how he interprets it. For each player, he tries to find the right message: some need encouragement and others, more demanding words.

He also recalled a recent conversation with his son Pacho about Luis Campos' first visit to his home at the start of the project. Campos knew where he lived and came to see him personally. That connection surprised him in a good way and was a very important moment in his career. For Luis Enrique, a sporting director must be brave and sign players who fit the coach's ideas. In his case, Luis Campos' ideas and his own are similar, and that is one of the keys to PSG's success.

Defeats as fuel for growth

The Asturian made it clear that he has never been motivated by comparing himself to other coaches. He believes each one follows his own path and that many managers make a mistake when trying to copy what works for others. For him, the essential thing is to constantly ask himself questions: whether that is the way he wants his team to play, or the way he wants to lose if losing has to happen.

He admitted that accepting defeats is probably one of the most difficult things for a coach, but it is precisely those defeats that force self-reflection. He does not need to look at others for motivation or to improve his record to surpass anyone. He is very happy with what he has achieved so far and remains ambitious to win many trophies, although he knows that one day it will be time to lose and another club, another coach and another family will celebrate.