Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has downplayed suggestions his team are favourites as they prepare to host Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
The English side, currently fifth in the Premier League, have endured a difficult season, suffering 15 defeats across all competitions — their highest tally since the 2014-15 campaign. Meanwhile, PSG are leading Ligue 1 and are well placed to defend their Champions League crown.
“It’s difficult to talk about Liverpool,” Luis Enrique told reporters in Poissy on Tuesday. “Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks very well about them. My view is that it’s both the same team and a different team. Everyone is trying to work out who the favourites are, but in this sort of match that means nothing. It will be tough for both teams.”
He added: “Showing that we’re still in the running every year and playing against Liverpool is always a positive thing. We want to reach the semi-finals; we know how difficult it will be, but we’re very motivated.”
The quarter-final is a repeat of last season’s round-of-16 meeting, when PSG knocked Liverpool out on penalties. Luis Enrique reflected on that: “Last year, everyone said it was Liverpool, and PSG went through.”
Wednesday’s tie will also see Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike face his former club. The 23-year-old France international has impressed in his first season in England, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in 43 appearances.
Ekitike had a brief spell at PSG between 2023 and 2024 but struggled for game time in a squad featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Enrique praised his development: “After leaving here, he did very well in Germany and at Liverpool. He’s now an international player and has made great progress. He was very young when he was here; he’s improved a lot.”
Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz missed training on Monday due to injury, while French winger Bradley Barcola returned to training following an ankle issue.
