PSG boss Luis Enrique ready to embrace ´special´ derby against Paris FC

Luis Enrique is relishing Paris Saint-Germain’s “special” derby against local rivals Paris FC at Parc des Princes on Sunday.

The capital clubs are set to face off for the first time since 1978, when they played out a pair of draws in Ligue 1.

PSG return to action after a 15-day break, with their last match bringing a 4-0 victory over Fontenay on December 20.

“After a break and some rest, it’s important for the players’ confidence to get back to winning ways quickly,” he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“A derby is coming up, so we will be very motivated and it’s always special. We are happy to be able to play this match. It’s great for a city like Paris to have fixtures like this.

“These are always special matches. I’m very happy to be able to play a derby in Paris. It’s funny to see that we’re facing a team whose stadium is so close to ours, that’s a real peculiarity.

“We needed that rest, and we’re back now after four training sessions. I’m very happy to have seen the players again and to see how sharp they are. It will be a great second half of the season.”

Just one day before the return of Paris Saint-Germain!#PSGPFC I @Ligue1_ENG pic.twitter.com/VUKDRzJHoN

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 3, 2026

PSG begin 2026 four points adrift of Ligue 1 leaders Lens, but with a game in hand, and have already captured the Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup this season.

They are still very much in contention for glory in the Champions League and Coupe de France, and Luis Enrique is excited to see what the remainder of the campaign brings.

“Every football club coach wants their team to improve,” he added. “But when I analyse what we’ve done this year, and since the start of the season, I’m very proud of my players.

“I’m very optimistic. I hope to have my full squad regularly available for this second half of the season.

“The league has always been a very clear objective for us. We have the ambition to win everything that can be won, as usual.

“Looking at the first half of the season, we had to deal with many injuries, and I must say I’m proud of my players and what we’ve accomplished. Because despite the challenges, we are still here to win everything we aim to win.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Paris Saint-Germain – Goncalo Ramos

Ramos has scored three goals in PSG’s last two Ligue 1 matches.

The Portugal international also netted a brace in the 4-0 victory over Fontenay in the Coupe de France last time out.

Paris FC – Jonathan Ikone

Iknoe is yet to register a goal involvement in eight Ligue 1 matches for Paris FC.

However, he will hope to break his duck against the side where he started his top-flight career back in October 2016.

MATCH PREDICTION – PSG WIN

Luis Enrique will take charge of his 100th domestic game as PSG boss. Only Thomas Tuchel (78) recorded more victories in his first 100 such matches in charge than the Spaniard (73).

PSG have kept a clean sheet in six of their seven home Ligue 1 games this season, as many as in their previous 30 home games before that run.

They have also avoided defeat in each of their last 38 top-flight home games against a promoted side (W34 D4), with their last defeat coming against Montpellier in May 2010.

Paris FC have failed to score in their last two Ligue 1 matches, last drawing three straight blanks in the league in August 2023 (three in Ligue 2).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Paris Saint-Germain – 75.8%

Draw – 15.4%

Paris FC – 8.8%