Marquinhos Signals Strict Standards as Luis Enrique Prepares PSG for Champions League Clash
Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has made it clear to his teammates that manager Luis Enrique will not hesitate to drop any player who does not give their all. This message comes just before the European champions begin their title defence against Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday night.
Champions Begin Title Defence
The French side is set to open their group stage campaign at the Parc des Princes, hosting Yaya Touré's Slovan Bratislava. As reigning back-to-back winners, having triumphed over Arsenal in last season's final via penalties, PSG are eager to make a commanding statement early in the competition. This match also offers a break for Enrique's squad after three Ligue 1 matches without a win so far this season.
Captain Demands Full Effort
Marquinhos emphasized that every player must show full commitment during training or face exclusion. The Brazilian defender stated:
"He’s not just making tough decisions this season. He has his own way of managing. The group has to give 100% in training to earn their place. That’s what he demands. It’s up to the players to push themselves to the limit every day. Everyone has to work to earn their place in the group. Sometimes players are left out of the squad. That hurts, but everyone understands. That’s football, that’s how it is. He’s done a very good job managing so far, it’s worked. He has his philosophy and he’s not afraid to make tough decisions when necessary."
Enrique Stresses Focus Against Bratislava
With a remarkable 63% win rate in the Champions League—highest among coaches with at least 50 games—Enrique reminded the team about the level of competition they face. He commented:
"This is the toughest competition. How many teams can win? Six, eight, five. The difference is very small. We’re aiming for a very good start. We’re going to play a seemingly easy match, but there are no easy matches. We have to stay focused."
PSG Eye Strong Start to Boost Confidence
Historically, defending champions have rarely lost their opening home European fixtures since 1967, a statistic that favors PSG. A solid performance is crucial to lifting spirits as the squad faces a demanding autumn schedule. Enrique needs to quickly bring consistency to the team to reverse their domestic struggles and snap their winless run in Ligue 1.
- Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Slovan Bratislava
- Date: 9 September 2026
- Time: 21:00
- Competition: Champions League Group Stage
