Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Barcelona is not “strategically decisive”, despite the importance of the Matchday 3 fixture.
PSG are aiming to strengthen their position at the top of the group by taking three points, but Enrique believes the outcome will not determine the course of the competition at this stage.
The Spanish coach said the fixture list had given his side the opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition early in the campaign, following last week’s memorable match in Manchester.
“Looking at how this competition unfolds over time, I don’t think this match is strategically decisive,” Enrique told the Paris Saint-Germain official programme.
“However, the fixture schedule allows us to face this level of opposition early. Last week, we had a very special match in Manchester, but obviously, considering Barcelona’s heritage and Paris Saint-Germain’s status in modern football, these are two top clubs with distinctly different styles and attractive play.
“We want to fully enjoy this match. Without question, it is a top-level contest, and it’s wonderful to experience such emotions.”
The match will bring together two clubs with strong traditions and differing approaches, with Enrique describing the contest as an opportunity to enjoy football at the highest level.
He also expects the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes to give Paris Saint-Germain a significant advantage. The club’s supporters drew praise after travelling to Manchester last week, and Enrique is confident they will again provide intense backing at home.
If the match develops into a close contest in which both teams have periods of control, he believes PSG’s performance at their own stadium will be markedly stronger.
“If we expect a tightly contested, back-and-forth matchafter all, with the quality of individual talent both teams possess, both sides will have moments where they dominatethen playing at the Parc des Princes has a completely different meaning for us,” he said.
“Here, we are much stronger; we function like a well-oiled machine. When I see the players executing the press, combined with the encouragement from the home fans, the effect is unparalleled.”
Enrique acknowledged that football remains unpredictable, but said the combination of his players’ commitment and the supporters’ backing made home matches particularly significant.
“Of course, in football anything can happen, but the desire to play and the tremendous support from our fans are incredible; the atmosphere is truly special,” he added.
The manager was also thanked for his time as a large group of media waited outside, while supporters sent messages expressing their affection for Paris Saint-Germain. Enrique responded simply: “Thank you, everyone!”
