Paris Saint-Germain defeated Chelsea 3-0 (8-2 on aggregate, quarter-final to be played against Liverpool or Galatasaray) this Tuesday at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 tie. Following this victory, PSG coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “We didn’t work on anything. We were focused on building confidence.”
Are you satisfied with your team’s performance?
“Of course, with everything I saw. It’s the way we played that makes me happy, even more than the victory itself.”
What did you think of Matvey Safonov’s performance?
“It’s impossible to win away from home, especially in the Champions League, without a top-level goalkeeper. That’s what happens when you play with Matvey and Lucas Chevalier.” “I’m lucky to have several good goalkeepers.”
How did you work on your finishing accuracy?
“We didn’t work on anything. We focused on building confidence. When you’re able to keep possession and create space, it makes the game easier. That was the key. We showed that we’re a real team, unpredictable.”
Luis Enrique: “We demonstrated our mentality and our style of play.”
Is PSG on track for a second Champions League victory?
“We talked about away games. Chelsea improved in the second leg. It’s important not to concede a goal. Chelsea deserved to score, especially from a set piece. We demonstrated our mentality and our style of play. That’s been the key for us in the past and, we hope, for the future.”
How did the confidence return?
“We’ve always had confidence in the team. You think we should win 4-0 every game.” “It’s not possible. No team has ever done it in the history of football. We have to keep going and improve. We’ve been demanding of our team.”
Luis Enrique: “That’s how you tell the story.”
Was there a turning point?
“I don’t know. That’s how you tell the story. I don’t know. We’re trying to improve as a team. We didn’t want to defend a result, but to play a match to win. Winning is good for our confidence and for our fans.”
What about the injuries to Bradley Barcola and Joao Neves?
“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow (Wednesday) to know for sure. Nothing serious, but I’m not a doctor. Nothing serious for Neves either.”
Luis Enrique: “There’s no credit for the coach.”
How do you find the motivation to keep winning?
“There’s no credit for the coach. My players are naturally motivated; when training is over, they keep playing in the gym. I mean it. Yesterday (Tuesday), they continued near the bus because the session doesn’t last more than an hour on the eve of a Champions League match.”
