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Paul Myers

PSG coach Enrique gives squad seal of approval ahead of Montpellier clash

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique won three trophies in his first season at the club. REUTERS - Stephane Mahe

PSG boss Luis Enrique declared himself satisfied with his roster of players as they underwent their final preparations for the first home game of the season on Friday night against Montpellier.

"I think that we've already had a great transfer window, and we're not in any rush to add any more players," said Enrique who lost star striker Kylian Mbappé at the end of last season.

"I have huge faith in every player in our squad," the 54-year-old Spaniard added.

"Obviously, we'll keep an eye open until the end of the transfer window but it's very hard to find an opportunity that will strengthen the team."

Enrique took over at PSG in July 2023 and steered the club to a domestic treble of French Super Cup, Coupe de France and Ligue 1 title.

Following Mbappé's departure to Real Madrid, PSG supremos signed the 22-year-old Ecuador international defender Willian Pacho from the German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt and 19-year-old Désiré Doué from Rennes to bolster the options in midfield.

"We looked for reinforcements in the transfer window," said Enrique. "But we already had a good squad last season. I don't look at the ages of our signings but at their performances and where we can improve.

Simplicity

"It's obviously easier for a French player to adapt because there isn't that language barrier," said Enrique of Doué's arrival.

Désiré Doué played for France during the Paris 2024 Olympics. REUTERS - Luisa Gonzalez

"I think that Désiré is a versatile player who can play either in attack or in midfield and either centrally or out wide. He's a real reinforcement and I'm really happy that he wanted to join us."

PSG started the defence of their Ligue 1 crown last Friday with a 4-1 win at Le Havre during which striker Goncalo Ramos was injured. The 23-year-old is likely to be out until just before Christmas. Marseille enjoyed the most impressive result of the opening round of games. Former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood bagged a brace as Roberto de Zerbi's charges walloped Brest 5-1.

Without European football this season after finishing eighth, Marseille are expected to be among the main challenges to PSG's attempt for an 11th top flight crown in 13 years.

Montpellier, who finished 12th last season, began their campaign on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg.

"You know what it will be like at the Parc des Princes against PSG," said Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.

"You have to concentrate for 90 minutes and right up until the final whistle because if PSG are looking for something they'll play for it.

"It's up to us to do whatever we have to do to thwart them. We'll have to play well defensively and to make the most of the opportunities that we have in front of goal."

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