Luis Enrique brushes aside PSG dressing room rumours ahead of Monaco Champions League tie

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique waved away claims of internal discord in the squad as the current European title holders geared up to defend their crown in a midweek encounter with Ligue 1 opponents Monaco.

PSG have found it tough to recapture the stunning performances from the latter part of the previous campaign, where they delivered exhilarating football en route to securing their maiden Champions League triumph.

The Parisian outfit lost their position at the summit of the Ligue 1 standings over the weekend following a 3-1 loss on the road to Rennes, which enabled Lens to surpass them.

This setback followed a challenging start to 2026 that included an exit from the French Cup against city foes Paris FC and a 11th place finish in the Champions League league stage. Their inability to secure victories in the previous three continental fixtures has put them in this play-off spot for a round of 16 berth.

Post the Rennes reverse, the prior Ballon dOr recipient Ousmane Dembele criticised his teammates, implying that several had prioritised personal agendas over team effort.

We must compete for Paris Saint-Germain to secure victories, as individual pursuits will not lead to success or the honours we seek, Dembele remarked during a television interview after the match.

In the prior term, we prioritised the team above personal interests, so it is essential we adopt that mindset once more.

Luis Enrique fielded questions on these remarks upon reaching Monaco on Monday, just before the initial leg of the Champions League play-off versus the team from the principality.

PSG invariably face external chatter, and we must simply embrace it, the Spanish coach stated, describing the Rennes outcome as harsh on his group.

It is accurate that we preferred entering this fixture on the back of a win, yet the focus now shifts to the Champions League, with full team enthusiasm.

PSG enter as clear frontrunners against a Monaco team languishing in eighth in Ligue 1, trailing by 20 points.

Nevertheless, Monaco have revived their fortunes of late after a slump, and they previously edged PSG 1-0 in their most recent meeting at the Stade Louis II during late November.

We have to trust in achieving a positive outcome, or there is little purpose in competing, emphasised Monaco boss Sebastien Pocognoli, who faces uncertainty regarding the availability of France midfielder Maghnes Akliouche.

Should we not operate at peak capacity or deliver a flawless display, it will prove challenging, noted Monaco captain Denis Zakaria.