Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique is confident his side are ready for the challenge of beating Liverpool in Wednesday’s Champions League clash in Paris.
The two teams meet in Paris on Wednesday, but their situations have shifted significantly since their last European clash. Back then, Enrique described Liverpool as “an almost perfect team”. Now, the English side arrive under pressure after a difficult run of form.
Liverpool were left reeling following a heavy 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City over the weekend, a result that prompted serious questions from manager Arne Slot about his team’s mentality.
Captain Virgil van Dijk admitted the scale of the task awaiting them in Paris. “PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again,” he said. “We have a responsibility to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special.”
Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats this season, leaving their focus firmly on securing a return to the Champions League places.
PSG, meanwhile, appear to be building momentum at the right time. A 3-1 win over Toulouse, highlighted by a superb goal from Ousmane Dembele, strengthened their position at the top of Ligue 1.
Enrique remained measured despite their form. “We have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve,” he said.
PSG’s attacking strength has been clear, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing a key role in their dominant 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea in the previous round.
Liverpool will look to Hugo Ekitike for inspiration. The striker, who has scored 17 goals this season, returns to face his former club. Dembele acknowledged the threat, saying: “Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won’t be against us.”
There are still concerns for PSG in goal following the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Enrique remained calm. “A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that’s normal in football,” he said.
With kickoff approaching, PSG look ready to take control, while Liverpool must quickly rediscover belief ahead of a decisive night in Paris.
