Bayern/PSG – « I told you… », Luis Enrique revels with the press | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 against Bayern Munich and qualified (5-6 on aggregate, Bayern/PSG highlights) this Wednesday at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of the semifinal (final on May 30 against Arsenal) of the 2025-2026 Champions League. After qualifying, Paris coach Luis Enrique spoke at a press conference.

Luis Enrique: “We showed what kind of team we are.”

How do you feel after qualifying?

“In my opinion, this is a moment to enjoy. It was a very high-level match. Both teams improved the way they defended. We started in a very positive way. After scoring, we were calmer than usual. We’re not used to defending, but we showed what kind of team we are. It shows our level, that of the players and our supporters.”

Is this the strongest team you have coached during your career?

“It’s difficult to say. Over the last three years, it is the strongest team in my opinion. These are quality players, very difficult for the opponent to handle and to defend against. I’d remind you that we still haven’t been able to field the starting team from the Champions League final. It’s a shame, but at the same time, it shows what kind of team we are and the players we have.”

Luis Enrique: “It’s a real pleasure to have players of this caliber.”

Was it a mental victory?

“It’s important to point that out. Over the last three years, we have been ready for any kind of match. Being overexcited is not the best thing. You must not go above 100%; it’s very dangerous. It’s a real pleasure to have players of this caliber.”

Do you think you can retain your European champion title?

“That’s what we’ve been aiming for from the start. After the league phase, I told you that I hadn’t seen a team better than us. At the time, nobody believed me. Bayern Munich are on our level. They have shown it this season. Arsenal are competing in every competition. But I have so much confidence in my team that I want it to be recognized.”

Luis Enrique: “We like playing good football, but we also like the fight.”

Is the team more mature than last season?

“It’s difficult to say. That’s a question for you, the journalists. You like to compare. I think the supporters know the team is loyal and reliable. If we have to defend in a low block, we can do it. We don’t like doing it, we didn’t choose the players for that, but it shows that we can prepare for every challenge. We like playing good football, but we also like the fight.”

Luis Enrique: “We started out wanting to win”

In which area can you still improve?

“We have improved a lot defensively. We were very good defensively. We won more duels than in the first match. We didn’t only think about defending either. We started out wanting to win. That gave us more calm.”

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