Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique chose to go cycling rather than follow the draw for the Champions League league phase, having told journalists in advance that he would not be monitoring the ceremony.
The Spanish coach revealed his plans at a news conference before Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 meeting with Lille in the second round of the domestic season.
Luis Enrique said he had watched the Champions League draw from his office during the previous three seasons. On each occasion, Paris Saint-Germain were handed a group of strong opponents, according to the manager.
This time, however, he decided to stay away from the procedure and spend the time riding his bicycle.
The draw eventually gave Paris Saint-Germain a demanding list of opponents: Barcelona, Galatasaray, Manchester City, Roma, Aston Villa, Villarreal, Slovan and Como.
Galatasaray’s squad includes Alexey Batrakov, who was named among the players linked to Paris Saint-Germain’s opponents in the league-phase draw.
Luis Enrique had already made clear that he would not be following the event when he spoke before the match against Lille. His decision meant that, unlike in the previous three seasons, he was not watching the draw from his office.
Paris Saint-Germain were paired with eight different clubs, including some of the leading teams in European football. Their opponents include Barcelona and Manchester City, while Roma, Aston Villa and Villarreal also feature in the schedule. Galatasaray, Slovan and Como complete the line-up.
The draw was for the main tournament of the Champions League, with Paris Saint-Germain discovering their opponents while their manager was away cycling.
Luis Enrique’s comments came as part of his pre-match media duties ahead of the second round of Ligue 1. Rather than discuss the draw after following it live, he had warned reporters that he would not be watching the process.
The Paris Saint-Germain manager’s explanation contrasted with his approach in the three preceding seasons, when he had observed the draw from his office. Those previous ceremonies had resulted in Paris Saint-Germain being matched with strong teams.
The latest outcome again produced a varied and challenging set of opponents, with clubs from across European football represented. Barcelona, Galatasaray, Manchester City, Roma, Aston Villa, Villarreal, Slovan and Como will all face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League league phase.
But Luis Enrique was not present in front of the draw as it unfolded. He had opted instead for a bicycle ride, following through on the plan he had announced to journalists before Paris Saint-Germain’s league fixture with Lille.
