Luis Enrique still motivated despite PSG’s ‘inexplicable’ defeat to Monaco

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Luis Enrique insisted he was still motivated by what the future holds at Paris Saint-Germain despite their defeat to Monaco, a result he described as “inexplicable”. 

PSG’s winless start to their Ligue 1 title defence continued on Friday at the Parc des Princes as Monaco came from behind to beat the defending champions 2-1. 

Before kick-off, Luis Enrique signed a three-year contract extension, while Joao Neves, Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu and Fabian Ruiz also agreed fresh terms. 

And things started positively for PSG when Marquinhos turned Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross home to give the hosts a 31st-minute lead, but the match turned after the break.

Flavio Nazinho headed in the equaliser just before the hour as Stanis Idumbo then fired past Matvey Safonov to complete the comeback and send Monaco to the top of the table.

The Parisiens have now failed to win any of their first three Ligue 1 matches of a season (D2 L1) for the first time since 2012-13 (D3).

PSG have also failed to win any of their last four Ligue 1 games (D2 L2), a first under Luis Enrique, though the Spaniard remained positive about the season ahead. 

“I feel the same as our fans. We tried to control the game against a great Monaco side, but they started with a strong ability to beat our press,” Luis Enrique said.

“The opening stages of the game were tough, but overall, I think that we would’ve clearly deserved to win. We would’ve been unlucky to draw, and yet we lost.

“It’s inexplicable, but that’s football. You just have to accept it. Unfortunately, in the last three years, there have been games like this.

“I’m happy with the players, although we need to improve individually and collectively, and that includes me, the manager, because we’re struggling in the league table.

“We’re part of an exciting project; this is the first time that I’ve started a fourth season as the manager of the same team.

“My motivation is even stronger than it was in my first few days here. The trust of the President and of the board is important to me. I’m still motivated and very happy, and I hope to stay here in Paris for a very long time.”

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 4, 2026

PSG had their chances in the contest, registering an expected goals (xG) total of 2.32 from their 23 shots compared to Monaco’s tally of 0.51 from their four attempts at goal. 

But Monaco’s victory was inspired by Lukas Hradecky, who made nine saves. Only Stephane Ruffier (10 against PSG in January 2010) has made more for Monaco in a single Ligue 1 match since Opta began collecting this data (2006-07).

Along with Monaco’s defensive resilience, they hit PSG with two sucker punches at the other end. Luis Enrique’s side have now conceded more than one goal in each of their last four league matches, a first since between January and February 2005 (also four).

PSG have now lost their last two Ligue 1 matches in which they opened the scoring, as many as they had in their previous 135 such games, and midfielder Neves acknowledged the need for improvement. 

“This was a really tough game. Today was my 100th Paris Saint-Germain appearance, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the win,” Neves said.

“As I always say, the team is more important than any individual, so I can’t be happy today. I am proud of how we performed, but Monaco are a very good team with a lot of quality. We tried to focus on our own game, which we did, but we weren’t able to score any more goals.

“Since I joined the club, I can’t remember a single game that our fans didn’t turn up to. They’re incredible, and they’re the best fans that I’ve seen in my life.

“It’s sad because they were there to support us, and we couldn’t get the win for them.”

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