Luis Enrique admits Paris St Germain’s schedule could yet benefit Paris FC as the neighbours prepare for a second clash in the space of eight days.
The Champions League winners beat their newly-promoted rivals 2-1 in the first derby meeting between the clubs since 1978 on January 4.
While PFC have not played since that Ligue 1 encounter, PSG were in Kuwait for a draining French Super Cup clash against Marseille – which they won on penalties – on Thursday.
They now return to Parc des Princes on Monday for another visit from PFC in the last 32 of the French Cup.
PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters at a press conference: “I think it’s more positive to play every four days than every 10.
“In that sense, we have an advantage but the problem is the travel – it’s very tiring.
“But we’re used to it, that’s no excuse. We’re staying focused on this competition. We love the cup.
“It’s a special match, like a final. You can either keep going or stop there.”
The PSG boss hopes his side, who have won the French Cup for the past two seasons, can make life easier than they did in Kuwait City.
Back to work! 💪⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Tw4NDzstRQ
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 10, 2026
PSG needed an equaliser deep into stoppage time to take the match to penalties and the former Barcelona and Spain coach said: “We turned around a lot of matches last year too.
“When you achieve the same thing several times it’s not luck (but), of course, we still need to improve as much as possible to avoid finding ourselves in these kinds of situations.”
PSG trail Lens by a point at the top of Ligue 1 and are well placed in third in the Champions League ahead of the resumption of that competition later this month.
Luis Enrique said: “It’s important to strive to improve individually and collectively, especially at this moment in time with a match like Monday’s where you have to win to stay in the competition.
“Of course, there are still many months to go but it’s important to improve in order to win the big games, whether it’s in the Champions League or Ligue 1. It’s important to show our quality in every game.”
PSG, who have won 18 of their last 19 cup ties, will be without Matvey Safonov and Lucas Hernandez due to injury and illness respectively. Lee Kang-in and Quentin Ndjantou are also doubtful while Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahim Mbaye are at the Africa Cup of Nations.
