UEFA Champions League
Luis Enrique reveals what makes him most proud after making history at PSG
The PSG manager reflected on what surpassing the club's all-time wins record means to him, highlighting his ambition since arriving in Paris. He also discussed the challenge posed by Villarreal ahead of their Champions League clash.… Show More
The PSG manager reflected on what surpassing the club's all-time wins record means to him, highlighting his ambition since arriving in Paris. He also discussed the challenge posed by Villarreal ahead of their Champions League clash.
Luis Enrique has made history at Paris Saint-Germain, but his greatest source of satisfaction since taking charge of the Parisian club goes beyond trophies and individual achievements. The Spanish manager revealed what makes him most proud of his time at PSG, highlighting that he is now more ambitious and confident than he was on his first day in Paris.
LUIS ENRIQUE SETS A NEW HISTORIC RECORD AT PSG
"The most positive thing for me is that I am more ambitious and more confident than I was on the first day I arrived at PSG. That means everyone involved with the club shares the same ambition. Being in a place like this, which is different from everywhere else, really feels like being at home," he said during the press conference ahead of the match against Villarreal in UEFA Champions League.
The Spanish coach reached 127 wins in 188 competitive matches following PSG's 5-1 victory over Le Havre in Ligue 1. The result allowed him to surpass Laurent Blanc's 126 wins and become the winningest manager in Paris Saint-Germain's history.
LUIS ENRIQUE SHOWS RESPECT FOR VILLARREAL AND ITS MANAGER
However, his attention is already on the challenges ahead. The Spaniard made it clear that he does not want his players to become overconfident because of their recent results.
"If we think we are going to win Tuesday's match because of the results we have achieved since the start of the season, we are mistaken. It is impossible to win without ambition, quality, and the willingness to run throughout the entire game."
The fourth-round Champions League fixture represents another test for the reigning European champions. Luis Enrique acknowledged Villarreal's strengths and specifically praised the work of Iñigo Pérez.
"I like young managers who love football. Villarreal made a good decision by hiring him. They played a good game against Liverpool, but deserved a better result. They will be a difficult opponent. He is a manager who likes to have possession."
He also warned about the challenges PSG will face at the Estadio de la Cerámica: "We have to be at our best; otherwise, we will not win the match."
Asked whether PSG could take advantage of Villarreal's uncertainties, he added: "They are a team that is starting a new project, but they are already showing some very good things. I hope they are not at their best on Tuesday. If they have doubts, that could be positive for us. The important thing is to prove it on the pitch."
THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LEAVES NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY
Luis Enrique recalled that a strong start in Europe does not guarantee a place among the competition's top eight teams.
"Last year, we had the same start as this season, but we did not finish among the top eight. That's the Champions League."
"We want to improve on what we achieved last year in terms of our league-phase position. We know how difficult it is to win and to play every away game," he added.
Regarding potential squad rotations, he made it clear that his expectations remain the same regardless of the competition or the players selected.
"We always want to perform at the highest level, regardless of the players or the competition. It will be difficult to overcome their pressing. I enjoy facing these kinds of challenges."
Finally, he also praised Illia Zabarnyi, highlighting the defender's development.
"He is young, but he has experience. He is a center-back who knows how to find a free teammate. He knows how to defend without committing fouls. The first year is always difficult when you arrive at a new club. He is an important player, but he can become much more important."
The record is already part of his legacy, but Luis Enrique knows that his greatest source of pride lies elsewhere: being part of a project that shares his ambition and still wants to keep growing.
LUIS ENRIQUE'S KEY TAKEAWAYS AFTER MAKING PSG HISTORY
- MORE AMBITION AND CONFIDENCE: The manager says he is now more ambitious and confident than when he first joined PSG, a club he considers home.
- RESPECT FOR VILLARREAL: He praised Iñigo Pérez's work and warned that the Spanish side will be a difficult Champions League opponent.
- NO DROP IN EXPECTATIONS: Luis Enrique wants PSG to improve on last season's European campaign and insists on maintaining maximum intensity in every match.
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