(Reuters) – Paris St Germain are still looking to claim their first Champions League title, but manager Luis Enrique believes that what they need most in the first leg of their quarter-final against Barcelona is ambition, not pressure. The last time PSG reached the semi-final stage was in 2021, and with the Ligue 1 title almost secured as well as a spot in the Coupe de France final, their focus is now on the competition they aspire to win above all others.
“I hope that our ambition can surpass any pressure,” Luis Enrique stated during a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match. “We don’t feel pressured at the moment, we are eagerly looking forward to competing at this level and striving to advance to the next round.”
“I observed during the group stage that the players were stepping up and taking responsibility, which has led us to this point,” he added.
Having previously won the Champions League while managing Barcelona, a club where he also played for eight seasons, Luis Enrique does not see his familiarity with the club or their current manager Xavi Hernandez as an advantage.
“I don’t have any prior knowledge of Xavi as a coach. I only know him as a former teammate,” Enrique mentioned. “I am well-acquainted with the club, Barcelona, and the players, but I am not sure if that gives me an advantage, it could possibly be the opposite.”
“On an emotional level, this club holds great significance for me due to my past experiences there. However, this is a professional job that requires me to remain focused and objective,” he explained.
When asked about the mindset of French forward Kylian Mbappe ahead of the game, Enrique redirected the focus towards the team as a whole, emphasizing their collective strength. Mbappe had been rested in previous matches.
“I believe you are inquiring about a single player, but I prefer to discuss the team as a whole because I find that more compelling,” Enrique responded. “Our team is in a favorable position this season, and our mindset is united and resolute.”
Security measures will be heightened for the match at Parc des Princes following a public statement by the Islamic State that included a perceived threat towards stadiums, as mentioned by the French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
“The potential for terrorist threats is a concern for everyone. I trust that it will be effectively managed,” Enrique expressed. “Hopefully, it remains only a threat.”
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
