Barcelona v PSG: Luis Enrique pulls no punches on the big clash | OneFootball

Wednesday, during the 2nd day of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face FC Barcelona (12th) at Montjuïc Stadium (kick-off at 9 PM, broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Parisian coach Luis Enrique answered several questions in a press conference.

Luis Enrique "It's a very special moment, we won't forget it."

How does it feel to meet Barcelona as the European champion with Paris?

First of all, I would like to thank the president for the incredible gesture of putting the name of the Xana Foundation on our jerseys against Barcelona. For us, as a Foundation, it's a very special gesture. We need this visibility to continue helping the families of the children. 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 how it is. It's the place where I spent most of my career as a player and coach. It's always special to be here. It's not Camp Nou, but it's a very nice stadium. There are memories, like the inauguration of the Olympic Games, where I was.

More clean sheets this season, is the team defending better because it's more difficult up front with the injuries?

What we are all looking for is the balance between defense and attack. For tomorrow, there are two teams that attack and defend very well. It will be a very nice challenge for us.

Luis Enrique "We want results, no matter who plays."

Any changes in the game plan tomorrow given the injuries?

There are different ways to approach this. It can be for excuses or results. We want results, no matter who plays. We will go as a team, we will prepare as usual, in the best way possible to try to win the match.

Barça seeking revenge after the elimination 2 years ago according to Pedri, does that surprise you?

What I can say is that it's a very nice match. There are 2 teams with the same mentality, the pride to play with the ball, to press. Pedri is an incredible player, I love watching Barça play and especially this player.

Luis Enrique "We will do the training and see tomorrow how the players feel. There are some uncertainties."

Any news on Vitinha, Neves, and Ruiz after their physical issues?

We have to wait for the training we have today. I don't know, to be honest. For our mentality not to take risks with the players. The decision will come from them, they must feel they are ready. It's an important match, not decisive. We are calm, relaxed. We will do the training and see tomorrow how the players feel. There are some uncertainties. We'll see.

Luis Enrique "The key will be to take the ball."

Barça similar to your team, how to put them in difficulty?

It's exciting, thrilling, to play against a team that has the same mentality. There is a very high-level coach. With his mentality and that of their players, they have the same philosophy as us, playing beautiful football, always looking to score. There are two teams that are alike. The key will be to take the ball.

Do you feel recognized here in Spain?

I have always felt appreciated (smile), why are you laughing? It's true. Criticism is also a sign of affection. I have always felt the support of the fans, the club. I have been captain, coach. I can't say anything negative about Barça. I am eternally grateful. But I am a professional, the fans know it. There are people who love me here, it's the best thing to feel this affection from the fans.

Luis Enrique "It's difficult to win against a great team that controls the ball."

With Dembélé's position change, what is your responsibility in his Ballon d'Or?

Coaches are responsible when they lose, you can clearly see the changes. When we win, there is also responsibility. But the players too, of course. I have great players. There are complications in big teams, but also strengths. We can strengthen ourselves. I can't complain.

Does PSG's victory depend on preventing Pedri from touching the ball?

He knows me very well, he's Harry Potter, I hope he doesn't have his magic wand. I hope we can prevent him from participating, but he will inevitably participate. There are other great players at Barça. It's a beautiful challenge, with a particular motivation. It's difficult to win against a great team that controls the ball.

Luis Enrique "I watch all Barça matches and I love seeing this team."

The last time here, you were starting the project, now you are more established. How does it feel to have achieved everything?

All coaches know that the past means nothing. What matters is now and the future. There is this match, we will have many supporters. We don't want to leave anything to chance. We will need a very good version of ourselves in terms of football and emotions to win.

Differences between Barça today?

We can't compare, these are totally different situations. But I can say that I love this Barça. It's a very high-level coach, who has ideas connected to Barça, he has an offensive football, which presses very well. I love watching this football. I watch all Barça matches and I love seeing this team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.