Enrique warns PSG against complacency after Rennes setback

By Amaechi Agbo

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has warned his players that past success will count for nothing this season, insisting they must constantly push beyond their comfort zone if they are to continue competing for major honours.

The reigning Ligue 1 champions opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Rennes on Sunday after a disappointing first-half display left them trailing by two goals at the break.

Luis Enrique responded by replacing Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at halftime, with new signing Ferran Torres coming on and making an immediate impact by scoring twice to rescue a point for the visitors.

The Spanish coach said PSG could not afford to become complacent after their achievements in recent seasons, particularly as they prepare to defend their domestic title while pursuing further success in Europe.

“Paris Saint-Germain have won nothing, nothing,” Luis Enrique said. “If you think about what you have won, you are not going to win anything.

“There is no credit. You have to show every day, in every match and every training session, that you are ready. Otherwise, it is easy to relax and start slipping.

“I was not brought up that way. We are always looking to win, and to keep winning, you have to step outside your comfort zone.”

Torres, who joined the French champions during the transfer window, changed the momentum after replacing Dembélé and scored both goals to secure a share of the points.

Luis Enrique praised Torres’ contribution while also highlighting the importance of having a squad capable of making an impact from the bench.

“He wasn’t bad, was he? He scored two goals,” the coach said. “I’m happy with everyone who came on in a very difficult match because we had a lot of trouble controlling Rennes in the first half.

“They were good on the counterattack and scored two wonderful goals. It was complicated, but it is important for me to see that so many players are ready.”

Luis Enrique also expressed satisfaction with Torres’ debut, saying PSG had signed players with the intention of building a squad capable of sustaining success over the long term.

“We sign players to go on a long journey with them. It is very positive for him and we are very happy,” he said.

The coach added that competition for places would be fiercer than last season as PSG seek to maintain their dominance at home and challenge for further European glory.

“We are always looking to find the best players for every match. Places in the team will be more difficult to get than last year, and that is our ambition,” he said.

PSG lifted the European Super Cup earlier this month but subsequently lost the French Super Cup to Racing Lens, underlining Luis Enrique’s belief that the club cannot rely on previous achievements.

“I think we had a very good transfer window, and we are still open to different possibilities,” he said. “Everyone knows how difficult it is for a team to keep winning. Clearly, we still need to improve.”