Luis Enrique returns to Barcelona: ‘It’s my home,’ but the focus is on PSG’s statement | OneFootball

Barcelona against Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage feels more like a semi-final or final than a match in October. This is one of the fixtures of the round, and the outcome will give us a clearer sense of which sides are best placed to dominate the competition.

Both teams are stacked with talent and come into this clash with momentum. Barcelona are back at the top of La Liga under Hansi Flick, playing with attacking intent and confidence.

Paris Saint-Germain began their title defence with a four-goal hammering of Atalanta, sending another reminder of their strength. These are two teams who could easily go all the way.

Luis Enrique returns to Barcelona with PSG and made sure to underline what the occasion means to him.

“It’s always wonderful to be in Barcelona because it’s my home. This is the place where I lived through almost the best part of my career as a player and as a coach. I will always be grateful to them forever,” he said.

His affection for the club is genuine, but his focus now is on ensuring PSG make a statement.

The Spaniard has injuries to deal with, including the absence of Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, yet he brushed aside excuses.

“You can either have excuses or have results, and we never stop achieving results,” he insisted. His words reinforce the idea that PSG will arrive prepared and determined, regardless of who is missing.

Enrique also spoke of the tactical challenge ahead, highlighting what makes this game such a heavyweight clash.

“It’s exciting and enjoyable to play against a team that has the same mentality, and a coach of a very high level,” he said of Flick.

“The key tomorrow, for me, is which team will be able to control possession of the ball.” That sense of control will be decisive, because both sides are built on technical dominance and sharp movement.

His words on Pedri also showed awareness of the individual battles that can tilt the game.

“For me, Pedri is undoubtedly Harry Potter. I hope he doesn’t come out tomorrow with his magic wand,” he joked. He knows that Barcelona’s blend of young talent and established stars makes them one of the most dangerous opponents in Europe.

The stakes could hardly be higher for a group game. It is still early in the competition, but Barcelona and PSG are two clubs capable of defining the trophy’s destination.

Whoever wins at Montjuic will walk away with more than three points – they will carry the aura of genuine contenders.