It won’t be easy – Luis Enrique warns PSG to be wary of ‘dangerous’ Strasbourg

Paris St Germain boss Luis Enrique has warned his side to expect a difficult test against “dangerous” Strasbourg as they aim to continue their unbeaten start in Ligue 1.

PSG return to their Parc des Princes home for the first time in three weeks on Saturday when they host a Strasbourg side who are currently seventh but may feel they should be much higher.

Their only defeat so far this season saw them surrender a 3-1 second-half lead to lose 4-3 at Lyon in August, while they have also relinquished winning positions in draws against Lille, Angers and Montpellier.

That shows the threat Strasbourg could pose second-placed PSG, who went into the recent international break sitting two points behind leaders Monaco.

Luis Enrique told a press conference: “It won’t be an easy game, and I’ve already warned my players.

“Strasbourg are the youngest team in Ligue 1, with some very good individuals. They’re a dangerous team that scores goals and presses hard. I think it’s going to be a hard-fought game.

“There are a lot of factors to take into account when deciding which players to field. The first match after the international break is never easy, and that will be the case again tomorrow.”

PSG have a different look about their side this season compared to years gone by, with all-time record goalscorer Kylian Mbappe having followed the likes of global superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar out of the club.

In their places, Luis Enrique has drafted in several younger players as the reigning champions aim to start afresh with a new breed of talent, such as Nuno Mendes, Lucas Beraldo, Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola.

PSG have only lost once in all competitions this season, going down 2-0 at Arsenal in the Champions League, and Luis Enrique is happy with the way his youngsters are growing on the field.

He added: “The growth of a player is not linear: there are ups and downs.

“All the players in this team have great qualities. At the moment, our young players are responding even more positively than I’d imagined, so that’s a positive indicator.

“I have enough experience to try and manage this in the best possible way for the team.”

Luis Enrique could also have another experienced head to call on again in the not-too-distant future.

Defender Presnel Kimpembe, 29, has been out since suffering an Achilles tendon injury against Marseille in February 2023 but Luis Enrique said the France international is edging closer to a return.

He said: “I don’t yet know how long his recovery process will take.

“What I can say is that I would be extremely happy if he could help us and bring his character and experience to the team.

“We’re nearing the end of this process and I’m very happy about that.”

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