Paris Saint-Germain faces squad changes and Ballon d'Or ambitions

Paris Saint-Germain faces a period of transition and scrutiny as they prepare for their Ligue 1 match against Brest. Manager Luis Enrique has addressed the team's slow start to the season, noting that criticism is a natural consequence of playing for a major club and should serve as motivation for improvement.

Squad selection for the upcoming match includes several notable changes. Luis Enrique has omitted Illya Zabarnyi and Senny Mayulu from the group, while welcoming back Nuno Mendes and Lucas Digne. The team is also dealing with defensive concerns, specifically regarding depth at the left-back position and recent inconsistencies in the center of defense.

On an individual level, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has emerged as a leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d'Or following a standout Champions League campaign. The Georgian international has praised his relationship with Luis Enrique, stating that the manager's guidance has helped him reach new heights. Other PSG players, including Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, and Vitinha, have also been nominated for the prestigious award.

Separately, Luis Enrique has commented on his long-term future, stating that while he is committed to PSG through 2030, a potential return to FC Barcelona could be considered in the future if requested by Joan Laporta, provided both he and the current Barcelona manager have moved on from their respective roles.