Luis Enrique: Barcola wants more playing time, but I cannot guarantee that unilaterally

At 03:05 Beijing time on September 5, Paris Saint-Germain will host Monaco in the third round of Ligue 1. Before the match, PSG head coach Luis Enrique attended a press conference. This article covers the first part of the press conference.

Good evening, coach. After this transfer window, do you think Paris Saint-Germain are stronger than before?

Obviously, what I can say at the moment is that I am satisfied. But after this, we have to understand how much time each individual player needs to adapt and what level they can bring to the whole team. I remember when we started our second year, everyone had all kinds of doubts about the players we signed. But everyone saw what happened afterward. The facts were there, and we were able to witness the true level they brought to the team.

Obviously, I am very happy. I think we did sign the players we wanted, and that is extremely important. When you communicate with these players, observe their expressions, understand their attitude during conversations, and feel their hopes, ambitions and desire to come to Paris Saint-Germain and become part of the club, that is truly crucial.

Now, under the various restrictions of financial fair play rules, you must know how to sell players, not just simply buy them. And I think it is clear that, whether on the pitch or off it, we are undoubtedly one of the best teams in Europe. For me, that is very clear and beyond doubt.

Hello Luis Enrique. After this transfer window closed, when do you expect your team to be 100% ready? When will the players fully integrate and adapt? As you said, this may take some time. We have only taken two points in Ligue 1 so far; is that also related to adaptation issues? When do you think PSG will truly begin to operate smoothly?

It actually depends on many factors that I cannot control at all. At this stage of the season, my focus is trying to find and field the best 11 starters for each match, together with the players on the bench. Therefore, I am not anxious or overly concerned about the exact moment when we will reach a very high level.

In the recent matches, I have seen many very positive things. But it is very clear that we must continue improving. Every year, facing us is highly motivating for our opponents, and for us it will also be extremely difficult to maintain dominance and keep winning.

Coach, your opening opponents are Lens, Rennes, Lille and Monaco, four teams that will compete in European competitions. From a preparation perspective, does such a challenging start trouble you, or is it actually more beneficial for your planning?

But this is definitely not the easiest start, right? Obviously, it is quite a 'beautiful' schedule, but we must fully accept it and prepare in the best possible way. For a team like ours, we did not sell any players who started in the Champions League final, so this remains the same core group.

On this basis, we signed some new players—both very young emerging talents and some experienced players. I think this is a combination that can bring positive effects, but it completely depends on what they show through their actions on the pitch. We remain humble, and we know that before the season officially begins—or rather before the Champions League starts—we will face all kinds of difficulties in these first matches of the season. It is no different from previous years and will not be different this time.

Coach, I would like to return to the topic of Bradley Barcola's departure. With him leaving, are you concerned that the team will lack a player of his type in attack, someone who frequently makes forward runs and provides strong depth and progression?

But ultimately, I believe everyone has their own path and choices. He wanted to leave because he wanted more playing time and a more important role in the team. I cannot unilaterally guarantee this to any player, because playing time must be earned every day in training and in actual matches.

He was very important, and he was a player loved by his teammates. For everyone, this is quite difficult because people really liked Bra. He is an incredible person, and I can only speak positively about him. But at that moment, with several years remaining on his contract, he decided to leave. We accept and respect that. We wish him all the best. That is how it is; this is professional football, and you have to accept it. In the future, some players who were once very important to the team will choose to leave. That is completely normal, but that is life, and it must be accepted calmly.

Coach, I would like to discuss a player. If he plays tomorrow, or if you bring him on, he will reach the milestone of 100 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. He is Joao Neves. I would like to know your view on his current growth and progress, and even though we feel he is already at a very high level, in which areas do you hope he can continue to improve in future matches?

He will not play tomorrow, so I do not need to answer this question (laughs). Okay, I am joking! If there are no unexpected problems tonight, he will definitely start tomorrow. Tomorrow he will make his sixth appearance for Paris Saint-Germain, not his 100th! Let us congratulate him.

Regarding Joao, what I want to say is the same as what I have said about many PSG players. Having a player with such outstanding individual ability is something that makes me extremely happy and pleased. I mean his qualities as a player, his technical ability, physical attributes, and the energy he brings to the whole team.

However, if Joao as a player is already incredible, then Joao as a person is even better. All of this is deeply rooted in his family. Having someone of such high character and quality is very important. I am very happy for him, and I would like to congratulate him again.