Luis Enrique challenges PSG to raise levels further in pursuit of more silverware

Luis Enrique believes Paris Saint-Germain still have room for improvement but is relishing the challenge of hitting even higher heights, starting with their Ligue 1 opener against Rennes.

PSG have already lifted the Super Cup this season, beating Aston Villa 2-1 to lift the trophy for a second consecutive year, before losing the Trophee des Champions to Lens.

Last season, they retained their Ligue 1 and Champions League titles, though they were pushed by Lens in the French top-flight.

PSG are once again the favourites to top the table at the end of the campaign, and Luis Enrique unsurprisingly has his eye on even more silverware by the end of 2026-27.

"I don't know what the current level is; it's difficult with the first league matches," Luis Enrique said in his press conference.

"What I've seen this week in training will improve the level compared to last year. There will be players left out of the matchday squad, which is very unfair.

"We're looking to have a few more options. The players have to accept it as best they can.

"We are looking to improve our training, every behaviour, every action. We have a different profile.

"Right now, we are winning the most important trophies, which gives a lot of motivation to the other teams. We have to be careful of provocations from our opponents. It's a great challenge for us; the team can still improve."

PSG were supposed to begin their 2026-27 campaign on home soil, but the recent heatwaves mean that the playing surface at the Parc des Princes has been deemed not good enough.

As such, the fixture is now being played at Rennes' Roazhon Park, with PSG now pushing to ensure the return match in March is swapped back to their home ground.

But Luis Enrique insists the change has not affected their preparation in any way.

"As usual. For us, it doesn't change the way we prepare for the match; we do the same thing whether it's at home or away," he added.

"It's true that it's different, but we have to adapt."

Rennes finished sixth last season, racking up 59 points in a strong campaign and secured their place in the Europa League.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rennes – Adrien Thomasson

Adrien Thomasson could make his Ligue 1 debut for Rennes.

He is set to play in his 13th consecutive top-flight campaign; only Marquinhos (14 with PSG), Anthony Lopes (15) and Benjamin Andre (16) are on a longer ongoing run (min. one match per season).

Paris Saint-Germain – Lucas Digne

Lucas Digne could make his 31st Ligue 1 appearance for PSG, and his first since May 2015.

He has made 394 appearances across the European top five leagues, the third-most among current defenders in those divisions behind Lorenzo De Silvestri (462) and Matthias Ginter (412).

MATCH PREDICTION: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN WIN

Rennes have defeated PSG more times in Ligue 1 in the 21st century (W17 D9 L23) than any other side.

However, PSG have won nine of their last 11 Ligue 1 season-opening matches, with the exceptions being a 0-1 defeat at Lens in 2020 and a 0-0 draw against Lorient in 2023.

PSG have scored in each of their last 50 home matches in Ligue 1, the longest ongoing run across the European top five leagues.

Their last home game without a goal in the competition was Luis Enrique's first match in charge, against Lorient in August 2023 (0-0).

Rennes have won their last three Ligue 1 season-opening matches, after having won only one of their previous nine (D3 L5). The Breton club will begin a Ligue 1 campaign away from home for the first time since 2020-21, when they drew 1-1 at Lille.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Rennes – 19.1%

Draw – 21.4%

Paris Saint-Germain – 59.5%