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Coach Luis Enrique unconcerned by PSG’s poor start to French league season

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-05

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) suffered a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco, leaving them winless after three matches in Ligue 1, marking their worst start to a season in 19 years. • Why it matters: Despite the poor results, head coach Luis Enrique remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team's performance does not reflect their potential and that luck played a role in the defeats. • What to watch next: PSG will host Slovan Bratislava in their first Champions League group stage match on Wednesday, which could provide an opportunity to regain confidence and momentum.

**Coach Luis Enrique Unconcerned by PSG’s Poor Start to French League Season**

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is experiencing one of its most challenging starts to a Ligue 1 season in nearly two decades. After suffering a 2-1 defeat to AS Monaco on Friday, the team finds itself winless after three matches, accumulating only two points. This marks the club's worst start since the 2007-08 season, a year that saw PSG narrowly avoid relegation.

Despite the disappointing results, PSG's head coach, Luis Enrique, remains optimistic. Following the match against Monaco, he emphasized that the outcome does not reflect the team's overall performance. "There is no reason to be concerned. I say that honestly. 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," he stated.

Enrique pointed out that PSG had a strong first half, leading the match at halftime. However, two second-half goals from Monaco turned the tide. The coach highlighted that the team performed well in terms of pressing and overall play, suggesting that luck played a significant role in the defeat. "What I want to get across is that you shouldn’t look only at the result," he added, reiterating his belief in the team's potential.

In a show of confidence, PSG recently extended Enrique's contract until 2030, indicating the club's long-term commitment to his leadership. As the team prepares to defend its Champions League title, they will host Slovan Bratislava in their first group stage match on Wednesday. Enrique expressed that the current situation serves as motivation for the players and the club as they aim to recover from their slow start.

Historically, PSG has been a dominant force in French football, and this season's early struggles have raised concerns among fans and analysts. The team currently sits seven points behind the league leaders, a gap that Enrique is determined to close. "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," he remarked.

As PSG looks to turn their fortunes around, the upcoming Champions League match presents an opportunity for the team to regain confidence and momentum. The club's management and supporters will be hoping that Enrique's positive outlook translates into improved performances on the pitch in the coming weeks.

Source: Al Jazeera
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