Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has issued a strong warning ahead of his team’s highly anticipated Champions League round-of-16 showdown against Liverpool. The Spanish tactician made it clear that PSG, currently in unstoppable form, will “attack” the Reds in what he described as a “50-50” contest.
With an incredible ten-match winning streak across all competitions, PSG enters this fixture in top shape. Their latest triumph, a commanding 4-1 victory over Lille on Saturday night, showcased their offensive prowess. Enrique went as far as to call the first half of that match “the best first half of this season,” a statement that underlines his team’s dominance.
PSG’s recent run of form has made them one of the most feared teams in Europe. The reigning French champions have been relentless, brushing aside opponents with ease. Their victory against Lille was particularly significant, as their opponents are no pushovers. Lille, also competing in the Champions League knockout stages, have already beaten both Madrid clubs in Europe this season and gave Liverpool a tough challenge during the group phase before narrowly losing 2-1.
Enrique emphasized the importance of PSG’s latest win, stating:
“It shows our current level. Now we have to think about the Champions League, two matches against Liverpool, think about recovering and be ambitious.”
PSG’s Ousmane Dembele has been in blistering form this calendar year / DAMIEN MEYER/GettyImages
Enrique also provided insight into PSG’s approach for the upcoming first-leg clash with Liverpool. The former Spain and Barcelona manager hinted that his team’s tactical setup would not change drastically:
“We are not going to change much. Today was a test, Liverpool and Lille have similar things, we put them under such pressure that they could no longer play from the back, they had to play long.”
The PSG boss further asserted that his side would take an aggressive stance against the Premier League giants:
“It will be different, it will be very complicated of course, but we are in the best period of the season. We will play against the best team in Europe, qualified brilliantly, but it is not in our mentality to speculate, protect ourselves, stay defensive. We will attack and we will try to turn that in our favour.”
Given the immense quality of both PSG and Liverpool, Enrique acknowledged that this round-of-16 tie has the feel of a Champions League final. He suggested that in another scenario, the two European heavyweights could have been meeting in the last game of the tournament rather than at this early knockout stage.
However, PSG’s struggles in the group stage forced them into a difficult play-off against Brest before drawing Liverpool—who had the best overall record from the new-look Champions League league phase. This difficult path has given the Parisians a stern test, but they remain confident heading into the crucial tie.
Arne Slot’s Reserved Approach to the Showdown
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, on the other hand, has taken a more reserved stance on the fixture. While he acknowledges PSG’s strength and their incredible run of form, he has remained cautious about making bold statements. Speaking after the draw, Slot admitted that facing PSG will be a significant “challenge” but refrained from making any definitive predictions.
“We know how good PSG are, but we also know our own qualities. It will be a great challenge, and we are looking forward to it.”
The first leg of this thrilling Champions League showdown will take place in Paris on Wednesday, as Liverpool travel to the French capital for what promises to be an electric encounter at the Parc des Princes. The return leg will be held at Anfield on Tuesday, 11 March, where the Reds will hope to capitalize on their home advantage.
With both teams in blistering form and managers expressing confidence in their respective squads, this tie has all the makings of a classic European clash. Football fans across the world will be eagerly watching as PSG and Liverpool battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
