Enrique dismisses Ballon d'Or obsession, urges patience on City case

Frustration with the Ballon d'Or narrative dominated Luis Enrique’s pre-match comments as Paris Saint-Germain prepared to face Manchester City in the Champions League. The PSG coach addressed the English club’s ongoing legal situation, urging restraint and respect for the official process while acknowledging the team’s on-field achievements.

Patience on City legal ruling

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Enrique emphasized that significant noise surrounds major clubs currently under scrutiny. He stated that the final decision rests with the authorized body, advocating for patience until that verdict is delivered. "We have to wait for the final decision from the person authorised to make it," he said. "We wait, and I hope things go well for Manchester City because everything they have done on the pitch has been incredible."

The Spaniard noted that all titles won by City are deserved based on their performance. Citing RMC Sport, he added: "It is a surprising matter, but we have to respect the proceedings and wait for the decision. If I limit my comments to their performance on the pitch, then they deserve these awards." Manchester City currently faces more than 100 charges related to breaches of Premier League financial rules. The club maintains its innocence while awaiting the final ruling.

Praise for Guardiola and Maresca

Enrique offered warm words for City’s tactical evolution under former manager Pep Guardiola and current boss Enzo Maresca. He described their matches as enjoyable and entertaining, highlighting their balance between attacking intensity and defensive solidity. "They are at their peak, as they have won all their matches," Enrique observed. "They are at the top, and they have many outstanding players and a coach with a clear vision. It is a motivating challenge."

When asked if the fixture against City would define PSG’s season, Enrique rejected the notion. He argued that the true standing of teams only becomes clear after Christmas. Despite starting the season brilliantly, he acknowledged that results have not yet matched expectations, particularly in the league. "We are not used to this, but I am not worried," he said. "We will play this match away from home against one of the best teams in Europe. We have strong motivation to prove our level, and that we are capable of overcoming difficulties."

Commitment to technical identity

Regarding squad availability, Enrique indicated that having a fully fit group allows him to better assess his team’s capabilities. He flagged the difficulty of the test awaiting them at City’s stadium but firmly dismissed suggestions that PSG would alter their approach to counter City’s style. "Do you think I am going to change my style?" he asked. "The full-backs attack a lot too. We will try to play as usual, in the same usual way."

The departure of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City also drew comment. Enrique expressed admiration for the Italian shot-stopper, noting that his exit was difficult but affirming that Donnarumma remains at the same high level he displayed in Paris. "I really admire Donnarumma," he said. "His departure was difficult, but he is at the same level he was at in Paris, and I hope he enjoys his time in Manchester."

Ballon d'Or irritation

Visible irritation surfaced when the conversation turned to the Ballon d'Or. Enrique insisted that PSG possesses multiple players worthy of the award and stressed that last season’s success was a collective effort rather than the achievement of a single individual. "I am fed up with the Ballon d'Or," he declared. "What I hope for is that we win this award. We have players who deserve it. Last year, we won the award for best team. We proved that Ousmane Dembele was not the only one who deserved it. I am fed up with the Ballon d'Or."

Addressing the volatility of public opinion, Enrique pointed to how quickly narratives shift based on recent performances. He cited Ferran Torres, whose goal-scoring form has been positive over three matches, contrasting this with the potential chaos if scoring stops. Conversely, he noted that Mika Godts, a player who does not usually score, could be hailed as "the new Platini" if he achieved a hat-trick. "You have to keep calm, because that is football," he advised.

His message to younger players was direct. Enrique told them that criticism is an inevitable part of professional life at the club. "What I say to the youngsters when they come to training is: do you know where we are? You will be criticised all the time. This is the life of a professional player. You have to get used to it."