On Tuesday, during the third matchday of the 2026-2027 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face FC Barcelona (2nd) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 p.m., CET). On the eve of this encounter, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions during a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “There are other teams that can win this competition.”
A final before the actual final?
No, no. While this competition is what allows us to play matches like this, if we look ahead, it’s clear that we are among the favorites. But there are other teams that can win this competition.
Do you enjoy watching your team play? Are you proud?
Of course, I’m proud. Not because of the result, but because I see the players enjoying themselves on the pitch, regardless of the setting or the circumstances. The team’s identity and personality—it’s a beautiful thing to see as a coach.
Luis Enrique: “I love watching them play.”
Do your players need to be able to adapt to any surprises from the opposition? Is that the role of certain players?
We prepare the same way, even though the Champions League is the highest possible level. I love watching Barcelona play—as a fan, too. I love their style of play; it’s wonderful to see that kind of ambition. I think we’re quite similar. That said, it’s going to be a tight, difficult match.
They have many quality players—a great side. Small details could make the difference. We need to stay focused on our own tasks. I’m not expecting anything out of the ordinary, though there will be challenges to overcome as a collective. Beyond that, individual players are capable of doing incredible things.
Could the situation in France be a distraction for you?
No, I’m not the right person to discuss that. I’m here for football. We don’t like this kind of violence, but we remain focused on the game.
Luis Enrique: “The best way to defend against Yamal is to have the ball.”
Does the absence of Nuno Mendes change much? What will the plan be for dealing with Yamal? It’s very simple: the best way to defend against Yamal is to have the ball. That would be ideal, though it might not always play out that way. We remain focused on what we can control. We’ll need to stay alert and defend as a team. They have some great players—Yamal, Raphinha, Pedri, and so on.
What impresses you about Barça? Do they have any weaknesses?
No team is perfect. We feel confident heading into this match against Barça. They’ve been getting great results, which serves as extra motivation. It’s a fantastic fixture for us.
What is the current state of football in France?
As I’ve said before, it’s not my place to speak on that subject.
Luis Enrique: “This match is interesting and competitive, but it’s only 3 points in the competition.”
Vitinha suggested that you and Bayern are the two best teams in Europe—what do you think?
Well, there’s also Arsenal, City, Real Madrid… there are teams that play beautiful football and are capable of winning. The competition really kicks off in March, or even April. It will come down to the teams that are still in it. This match is interesting and competitive, but it’s only 3 points in the competition.
Are there any concerns regarding security tomorrow? Will the match need to be postponed?
No, I’m not afraid. I have no fears, and I hope the match can go ahead under normal conditions.
Luis Enrique: “We must play as a team in every situation.”
Raphinha might be ready for Barça, and Gabriel Jesus is another option—how does that change things for you?
Regardless of which players feature, we know their quality—even if there are subtle differences. Once we see the lineup, we can get into the specifics. But we’ll need to address challenges as a team, knowing that you can’t prevent everything. We must play as a team in every situation.
What is your take on Barça and their style of play?
I have a strong connection to Barça, but I am the PSG coach. I’m a supporter. It just so happens that we face each other every year; it felt strange at first, but I’m getting used to it. I’m enjoying the chance to face a top-tier team—one with values I admire and that shares similarities with PSG. I want to win tomorrow; facing the club where I spent the longest part of my career is a major motivation. Now, as a Parisian, I’m fully embracing the experience.
Luis Enrique: “That will be a key factor tomorrow.”
Does this Barça side resemble yours? Can they win the Champions League?
What is clear is that Hansi Flick is achieving better results than his predecessors. He is a great coach; he has shown that at Barça. His approach to the game aligns perfectly with Barça’s philosophy. He is bold; he plays an attacking style.
Vitinha spoke about the battle for possession—how do you see it playing out?
The same as always. There hasn’t been a single match where I’ve willingly conceded possession. That will be a key factor tomorrow. To beat Barça, you have to have the ball. But if we don’t have it, we must adapt and press to win it back as quickly as possible. That’s easy to say, but difficult to do. Still, that is our ambition. That’s what’s at stake—it’s a major challenge for the team and the supporters.
