Luis Enrique has praised Habib Beye's instant impact at Rennes ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's trip to Roazhon Park this Saturday. 

Beye replaced Jorge Sampaoli in January and has guided the Ligue 1 side to four wins from his first five games at the helm after losing their previous four. 

For context, that is only one win fewer than Rennes managed in the first 19 matches of the season, having won five, drawn two and lost 12 of their matches so far. 

Indeed, Beye has now won more games in charge of Rennes in Ligue 1 this term than any of the previous three head coaches who have managed the club this term. 

Julien Stephan, who started the season at the helm, managed just three wins, while Sampaoli registered just two from his eight games in charge. Sebastien Tambouret, who was in interim charge before Beye was appointed, lost his only match. 

"It's obvious that they've been on a very good run since the change of coach," Luis Enrique told reporters. "Four wins, one defeat.

"They have the opportunity to be in a good position in the standings. It's difficult to form a quick connection with players, but in this case they're doing a very good job.

"It's difficult to play away from home. Rennes is always difficult. I have no doubt that they are motivated to beat us...

"They have a very positive dynamic, they are aggressive in defence one-on-one, they take risks, the players are well-placed, they're at home and have nothing to lose."

This weekend's fixture will also see Desire Doue return to Rennes for the first time since making the move to PSG in August last year. 

Doue has been an impressive addition to Luis Enrique's ranks, registering seven goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season. 

In Ligue 1 this season, only Ousmane Dembele (37) has completed more dribbles than Doue (33), with the talented teenager also creating 32 chances for his team. 

Asked about Doue's development, Luis Enrique said: "There are no two similar paths. Some players are quicker than others to adapt.

"Doue played very well at Rennes last season, in different positions. With us, he's performing like he did last season. He's in line with the rest of the team."

PSG lead Ligue 1 by 13 points, but will have one eye on their Champions League last 16 second leg against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday. 

Luis Enrique watched on as his side dominated the game but fell to Harvey Elliott's 87th-minute winner to give them an uphill task of reaching the next round. 

The Parisiens had 27 shots, the second-most on record (from 2003-04) by a side in a Champions League knockout match in which they both failed to score and lost, behind only PSG themselves v Borussia Dortmund in May 2024 (30).

However, Luis Enrique insisted that he was fully focused on facing Rennes, who have won three of their last five home games against PSG in Ligue 1. 

"We've only had two days to prepare. It's the shortest possible cycle. It's not training, it's recovery. I'm only interested in pre-match training with Rennes."