Luis Enrique Confident PSG Remain Champions League Team to Beat
Paris St Germain manager Luis Enrique has declared his side remain the team to beat in the Champions League as they target consecutive European titles. The reigning champions were drawn against Premier League giants Chelsea in Friday's last 16 draw, setting up a highly anticipated continental clash.
Confidence Despite Mbappe Departure
Enrique's confidence comes despite the summer departure of star forward Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, with PSG having lifted their first Champions League trophy at the end of last season. The Spanish tactician remains bullish about his team's chances of retaining their crown, pointing to their underdog triumph last campaign as evidence of their capabilities.
"Nobody thought we could win the Champions League last season," Enrique told reporters at a press conference. "It is different because the scenario is so different. Everyone knows we are capable of winning this Champions League but to do that, we have to improve our performance level. We are aware of that."
Chelsea Challenge Ahead
The path to back-to-back titles will require navigating past Chelsea, who defeated PSG 3-0 in last summer's Club World Cup final in New Jersey. However, Enrique insists that previous encounter will have no psychological impact on the upcoming two-legged tie.
"The Champions League draw is difficult, as usual. We don't expect anything different," Enrique said. "We are pleased. It will be interesting to play against one of the best English teams, who we know well. There is no feeling of revenge for us. This is a different competition. This is our pathway and we are used to it."
Champions' Mindset
The PSG boss emphasized his team's status as defending champions creates pressure for their opponents rather than themselves. "We are the champions at the moment in this competition, so the problem is for all the other teams," he asserted. "They have to play against us, that is what I think. We like being in the draw because it means we have qualified and the key phase of the season is coming up."
Domestic Focus Continues
While European ambitions loom large, PSG must also maintain their domestic dominance. The Parisians recently reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1 after taking advantage of Lens' 3-2 home defeat to Monaco last weekend.
Enrique acknowledged the competitive nature of the French title race, particularly praising second-placed Lens. "The difference is that Lens are much better than the rest. They are having an incredible season," he noted. "But for us, it is maybe three or five points different, so we are at the same level, our true level. The key point of the season is coming up and they are right up there with us."
PSG face Le Havre this weekend, against whom they have won nine and drawn one of their last ten meetings, while Lens travel to Strasbourg on Friday evening attempting to close the two-point gap at the summit.
