After Paris Saint-Germain’s overwhelming victory against Nantes (3-0) on Wednesday night, Luis Enrique made an unexpected statement during a press conference: the Spanish coach publicly expressed his desire to see Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux return to the elite league. A rare and sincere show of moral support.
The Parc des Princes delivered its usual performance on Tuesday, April 22, 2026. Facing a struggling FC Nantes, PSG displayed clinical efficiency with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring twice from a penalty and a superb goal, along with a goal from Désiré Doué, securing a win in a match for the 26th round of Ligue 1, postponed. Nothing extraordinary for a championship leader on track for the title and in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
But it was in the press room, with cameras focused on him, where Luis Enrique truly captured attention.
“Saint-Etienne is also a historic club,” he said when asked about the situation of major French football institutions facing difficulties, with Nantes as the evening’s symbol. The Parisian coach first put things into perspective with his known pragmatism: “It’s classic. In all championships, there are always teams with important history but facing difficulties. That’s high-level football.”
Then, almost naturally, he expanded his thoughts to clubs not in the top league. “There are also teams in Ligue 2 that I would like to see in Ligue 1, like Saint-Etienne, which is also a historic club. I have never played against Saint-Etienne. Or Girondins de Bordeaux as well,” he added, concluding with a touch of lucidity tinged with melancholy: “There are many teams trying to return to Ligue 1 and it’s a shame for those teams that cannot. But that’s how it is, we have to accept it.”
Why these words truly matter: The declaration may seem insignificant at first glance, but it’s not. For a coach from Paris Saint-Germain – a dominant club sometimes seen as disconnected from the realities of popular football – to spontaneously speak up in defense of ASSE or Girondins’ place in French football landscape is noteworthy.
Saint-Etienne, relegated last season after years of sporting and institutional turmoil, is currently fighting for a direct return to Ligue 1. The club with ten French titles, a symbol of a French football now largely driven by economic factors, represents a bygone era for many. Luis Enrique hasn’t forgotten the significance of the green jersey in European sports history – a fact made more significant by the fact that he’s never faced them on the field.
For ASSE in their fierce promotion battle, hearing the name of their club mentioned with respect by the coach of France’s most powerful club is a strong signal. While symbolic, it carries weight in a realm where public recognition holds significance.
A football that remembers: In a league where clubs without fresh funds struggle to survive, Luis Enrique reminds us of a simple truth: football is also about its history. The legendary stadiums, loyal fans, and names that transcend the standings. Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux deserve Ligue 1 – not because they demand it, but because French football would be richer with them.
At least, everyone can agree on that.
