On Wednesday, during the second matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face FC Barcelona (12th) at the Montjuïc Stadium (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at his press conference.
Luis Enrique: “It’s a very special moment, we won’t forget it.”
What does it feel like to return to Barcelona as the European champions with Paris?
First of all, I would like to thank the president for the incredible gesture of putting the Xana Foundation’s name on our shirts for the match against Barcelona. For us, as a foundation, it is a very special gesture. This visibility is essential for us to continue helping families of children in need. It’s a very special moment, we won’t forget it.
Regarding the question, it’s always nice to be in Barcelona; it’s my home, that’s just how it is. It’s where I spent most of my career as a player and a coach. It’s always special to be here. It’s not the Camp Nou, but it’s a very nice stadium. There are memories here, like the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which I attended.
More clean sheets this season; is the team defending better because it’s more difficult going forward due to injuries?
What we all strive for is balance between defense and attack. Tomorrow, we have two teams that attack and defend very well. It will be a very challenging match for us.
Luis Enrique: “We want results, regardless of who plays.”
Will there be any changes to the game plan tomorrow given the injuries?
There are different ways to approach this. It can be used as an excuse or as motivation for results. We want results, regardless of who plays. We will go out as a team, we will prepare as usual, in the best possible way to try to win the match.
Is Barcelona looking for revenge after being eliminated two years ago, as Pedri said? Does that surprise you?
What I can say is that it’s a very exciting match. There are two teams with the same mentality, pride in playing with the ball, and pressing. Pedri is an incredible player; I like watching Barcelona play, and especially this player.
Luis Enrique: “We will have training today and we will see how the players feel tomorrow. There are some uncertainties.”
Any news on Vitinha, Neves, and Ruiz after their injuries?
We have to wait for today’s training session. I don’t know, to be honest. Our philosophy is not to take risks with the players. The decision will come from them; they have to feel ready. It’s an important match, but not a decisive one. We are calm and relaxed. We will have training today and we will see how the players feel tomorrow. There are some uncertainties. We will see.
Luis Enrique: “The key will be to control possession.”
Barcelona is similar to your team; how can you put them under pressure?
It’s exciting and thrilling to play against a team with the same mentality. They have a very high-level coach. With his mentality and that of his players, they have the same philosophy as us: playing attractive football and always looking to score. There are two similar teams. The key will be to control possession.
Do you feel recognized here in Spain?
I have always felt appreciated (smile). Why are you laughing? That’s true. Criticism can also be a sign of affection. I’ve always felt the support of the fans and the club. I was captain, I was a coach. I can’t say anything negative about Barça. I am eternally grateful. But I am a professional, and the fans know that. There are people here who love me, and that’s the best feeling—to receive that affection from the fans.
Luis Enrique: “It’s difficult to win against a good team that controls the ball.”
With Dembélé’s change of position, what role did you play in his Ballon d’Or nomination?
Coaches are held responsible when they lose; the changes are clearly visible. When we win, there is also responsibility. But the players are also responsible, of course. I have great players. There are challenges in big teams, but also strengths. We can improve. I can’t complain.
Does PSG’s victory depend on preventing Pedri from touching the ball?
He knows me very well; he’s like Harry Potter, I hope he doesn’t have his magic wand. I hope we can limit his influence, but he will certainly participate. There are other great players at Barça. It’s a great challenge, with special motivation. It’s difficult to win against a good team that controls the ball.
Luis Enrique: “I watch all of Barça’s matches and I enjoy watching this team.”
Last time you were here, you were starting the project; now you are more established. What does it feel like to have achieved everything?
All coaches know that the past means nothing. What matters is now and the future. There’s this match, we’ll have many supporters. We don’t want to leave anything to chance. We’ll need a very good performance, both tactically and emotionally, to win.
Any differences between Barça today?
We can’t compare; it’s a completely different situation. But I can say that I love this Barça team. It has a very high-level coach, with ideas that fit Barça’s style, an attacking style of play, and they press very well. I like this style of football. I watch all of Barça’s matches and I enjoy watching this team.
