PSG Ready For Champions League's New Format, Luis Enrique Confirms

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are set to embark on their latest Champions League journey next week. Despite the additional demands of this season's competition, Luis Enrique will maintain his usual approach. PSG have started the Ligue 1 season strongly, winning all three matches and leading by two points over Marseille, Nantes, Monaco, and Lens.

PSG will play Brest in Ligue 1 on Saturday before facing Girona in the first of eight Champions League league phase matches on Wednesday. The new format of the competition's first round will continue until January. However, Luis Enrique remains steadfast in his methods for managing the squad's workload.

"It's true, the schedule is a bit different but I don't think it is going to change the way I work as a coach," Enrique told reporters. "I have principles that I think are best for the team. It is always good to have around 20 players who think they can play, rather than 12 or 13. That is something that has always produced the best results for me."

Midfielders Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery are unlikely to feature against Brest due to injuries sustained during international duty with Portugal and France, respectively. Additionally, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma might miss out after recently becoming a father; Luis Enrique has yet to decide on his participation.

Bradley Barcola's Performance

Bradley Barcola has been impressive this season, scoring four goals in PSG's first three league games—matching his total from last season. He also scored for France against Italy last week. Despite this success, Luis Enrique aims to manage expectations for the young player.

"It would be easy to protect the players without journalists," said Enrique. "Right now everyone is talking about Barcola. People said he couldn't play in the past, that he wasn't ready for the Champions League. But we're lucky that he is very sensible, humble and hard-working."

Maintaining Team Morale

Luis Enrique emphasised the importance of keeping a large pool of players ready to play at any time. "Now we are playing every three days with an intense schedule," he noted. "I am still calm. Of course players can get injuries or suspensions but I am confident that we can manage all of that this season."

The coach also highlighted how media narratives often oversimplify situations: "The press always want something black or white, but that is not how it is." This balanced approach aims to keep morale high and ensure consistent performance throughout a demanding season.

As PSG prepare for their upcoming fixtures, maintaining squad depth and managing player fitness will be crucial for their success both domestically and in Europe.