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Luis Enrique keeps PSG rotation plans under wraps before Barcelona showdown

The Paris Saint-Germain coach spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's Ligue 1 trip to Strasbourg, his team's final test before hosting Barcelona next week in a direct battle for first place in the Champions League group. Luis Enrique refused to reveal his lineup plans and also addressed Enzo Maresca's claim that the French league allows PSG to rest more players than Manchester City.

JaviByJaviVerified account5 min read
Luis Enrique speaking at a press conference ahead of Strasbourg versus PSG, gesturing seriously in front of microphones.
Luis Enrique speaking at a press conference ahead of Strasbourg versus PSG, gesturing seriously in front of microphones.

Luis Enrique faced the press on Friday before Paris Saint-Germain's visit to Strasbourg in the seventh round of Ligue 1. The match is the final rehearsal before Barcelona arrive at the Parc des Princes next Tuesday, with both teams fighting for first place in their Champions League group.

The Asturian coach kept the focus on the domestic fixture and offered no hints about a possible lineup overhaul. The table demands attention: PSG sit sixth, three points behind leaders Monaco, and need a win to avoid losing more ground.

  • PSG visit Strasbourg on Saturday at 17:15 in the seventh round of Ligue 1.
  • Luis Enrique did not confirm whether he will rest key players before facing Barcelona.
  • He responded to Maresca and defended the competitiveness of the French league.
  • He praised his team's bravery and aggression after the 2-4 win at Manchester City.

PSG lineup puzzle: will Luis Enrique rotate before facing Barcelona?

Asked directly whether he plans to protect important players ahead of the Champions League fixture, Luis Enrique declined to reveal details. He preferred to explain his selection method without confirming who will start or who will be rested.

Every time we pick the lineup we think about the short, medium and long term. The important thing is to beat Strasbourg and then prepare for the next match as well as possible and try to win every game.

The message suggests there will be no relaxed approach in Ligue 1. PSG arrive full of confidence after their display in Manchester, but their domestic situation forces them to chase all three points and climb the table.

Luis Enrique hits back at Maresca over Ligue 1 scheduling claims

Enzo Maresca suggested Manchester City's defeat against PSG was partly influenced by the French side's ability to rotate more in the league. Luis Enrique quickly responded and downplayed the entire debate.

It is typical noise around a team like PSG. Before I arrived I heard this club would never win the Champions League because of the level of the league. Then, when you win, people find excuses and complain. That is life, we accept it.

The Spanish coach dismissed the outside criticism and underlined the demands his squad faces in every competition. In his view, the noise simply comes with managing a club that is used to winning and constantly under scrutiny.

Strasbourg's young squad presents a tricky test for PSG

Luis Enrique is taking nothing for granted against Saturday's opponent. He described Strasbourg as a very young team with real quality, one that will want to prove itself against one of Ligue 1's biggest clubs.

PSG have travelled for this match and will be on the move again in less than 72 hours, dealing with the physical and mental demands of a congested schedule. Even so, the objective remains clear: keep the positive run going and climb into the top three.

Collective goal against Manchester City shows this PSG's identity

The opening goal in Wednesday's win at the Etihad was scored by Doué after a move involving nine players. Luis Enrique pointed to that sequence as a reflection of what he demands from his players: read the game and never hide.

The confidence to execute those movements and the ability to adapt to each situation are, according to the coach, essential to his philosophy. He highlighted the constant aggression and bravery of a squad that shows no fear away from home.

Luis Enrique's simple recipe: run hard, attack and defend fearlessly

Asked whether his playing style can be taught, Luis Enrique was blunt. He reduced the formula to a simple but demanding idea that depends less on age than on technical quality and mentality.

It is very easy, you have to run like crazy. It does not depend on age, it depends on your technical quality and mentality. That is the key: being ready to attack and defend.

PSG travel to Strasbourg aiming for a win, hoping to stay in the Ligue 1 race and arrive in perfect shape for Barcelona. After Saturday afternoon, all eyes will turn to the Parc des Princes.

Frequently asked questions

Will PSG rotate players against Strasbourg before facing Barcelona?

Luis Enrique did not confirm whether he will rest players. He explained that every lineup is chosen with short, medium and long-term goals in mind, and that beating Strasbourg is the immediate priority.

How did Luis Enrique respond to Maresca's comments about Ligue 1?

The PSG coach played down the criticism and called it typical noise around a big club. He recalled that people used to say PSG would never win the Champions League because of the league's level.

When do PSG and Barcelona play in the Champions League?

The match takes place next Tuesday at the Parc des Princes. First place in the group is on the line in the penultimate round of the league phase.

Based on reporting by Mundo Deportivo.