Luis Enrique backs PSG to recover despite winless Ligue 1 start

Luis Enrique has dismissed concerns over Paris Saint-Germain’s difficult start to the Ligue 1 campaign, saying the champions’ return of two points from their opening three matches does not reflect the quality of their performances.

PSG remain without a league victory after losing 2-1 at home to Monaco on Friday. They led at half-time but conceded twice after the break, leaving them seven points behind the early pace-setters.

The result represents PSG’s worst start to a league season since 2007/08, when they eventually finished 16th and narrowly avoided relegation. Despite that unwanted comparison, Luis Enrique believes there is no reason for alarm.

“There is no reason to be concerned. I say that honestly,” the PSG coach said.

He argued that Monaco’s attacking threat had been limited, with the visitors scoring twice from only two shots on target.

“How many shots on target did Monaco have? Two. How many goals? Two. We’ll see at the end of the season whether things balance out.”

Luis Enrique was particularly satisfied with the way his team pressed and felt PSG had been denied a positive result by a lack of luck rather than a poor display.

“What I want to get across is that you shouldn’t look only at the result,” he said. “We pressed sensationally, much better than in many matches when we did not concede a goal. But luck was not on our side.”

The Spanish manager also rejected the idea that Monaco’s victory pointed to a significant gap between the two teams. He suggested PSG would usually come out on top if the same contest were repeated.

“Monaco know that if they play against us like this 10 times, we win eight, there’d be one draw and we’d lose once. This was that one defeat,” he said.

Although PSG already trail the leaders by seven points, Luis Enrique remains confident they can quickly close the gap. His position has been strengthened by a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2030.

The club will now turn its attention to the Champions League, where it is preparing to begin the defence of its title. PSG’s European campaign starts at home to Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, providing an immediate chance to move on from their domestic difficulties.

Luis Enrique said the return to European competition would give his players and the club a strong incentive.

“It is incredible motivation for my players, for the team and for the club,” Luis Enrique said.

He was also bullish about PSG’s chances of retaining their Ligue 1 title, despite the early deficit.

“If you want to bet on who will be champions at the end of the season, we can place a bet. Seven points? OK, we will try to make up that deficit as quickly as possible.”

PSG’s early difficulties contrast with the strong expectations surrounding a side led by a manager who has now committed his future to the club. Their next fixtures will test whether Luis Enrique’s confidence is justified, beginning with the visit of Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday.