Luis Enrique defends new signing ahead of Champions League showdown with Bayer Leverkusen

21.10.25 FT Champions League

Bayer Leverkusen

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Paris Saint-Germain

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Paris Saint Germain coach Luis Enrique hit back fiercely at reporters on Monday after being questioned about goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier’s recent performances launching passionate defence of the summer signing ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spanish tactician, visibly frustrated, took exception to journalist’s question about Chevalier’s underwhelming start calling the criticism both unfair & predictable.

"This tone repeats itself every season, I’m very happy with Chevalier his level, his personality, his work. He’s not just good option, he’s the ideal one" Enrique fired.

"You criticised Donnarumma for 4 year"

Enrique drew parallels with the relentless media scrutiny of Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s former No1 who left for Man City this summer after 4 season in Paris.

"I remember how you treated Donnarumma. You criticised him for 4 year and practically assassinated him professionally, even when I wasn’t PSG’s coach, I could feel the pressure from the media" he said.

The coach stressed that playing as PSG’s goalkeeper comes with immense pressure and Chevalier, he insisted is showing the mentality needed to thrive at the club.

"When you’re the goalkeeper of club like PSG, you must learn to live with criticism. I like Chevalier’s mentality and I trust him completely. He will be key player for many years"

With PSG starting their title defence with wins over Atalanta (4-0) and Barcelona (2-1) Enrique stressed that the trip to Germany represents significant challenge.

"Our path in the Champions League is extremely tough. Leverkusen are organised, compact and dangerous on the counter. They’ve signed 20 new player and have new coach, so we must control the tempo" he explained.

Leverkusen have just 1 point from their first 2 group games but are flying domestically winning 3 straight Bundesliga matches to climb to 5th in the table.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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