Luis Enrique exclusive: Paris Saint-Germain has been ‘unjustly overlooked’ in the UEFA Champions League, but ‘the nature of football is unfair.’
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In a thrilling turn of events, Luis Enrique has voiced his concerns regarding Paris Saint-Germain’s struggles in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, stating that “football is unfair.” As the Ligue 1 champions gear up for a monumental clash against Manchester City, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Currently languishing in 25th place, PSG finds themselves outside the play-off spots with a mere seven points from six matches. Their recent form suggests they are on the brink of an early exit from European competition. However, a glimmer of hope emerged with a commanding 3-0 victory over RB Salzburg in their last European outing back in December. This win marked their first three points since a narrow 1-0 triumph over Girona on matchday one of the newly formatted competition.
In the interim, PSG has faced a series of setbacks, suffering defeats to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich, alongside a frustrating draw at home against PSV Eindhoven. This dismal run starkly contrasts their domestic performance, where they remain unbeaten in 18 games and hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Marseille.
When questioned by TNT Sports about the disparity in their performances, Enrique remarked, “The competition is that way. I think we deserved to win much more than the points that we have because we deserved to win the match against Atletico Madrid and the match against PSV. Our classification would be so different if we had secured those points.”
He continued, “But football is unfair many times, and we have to manage that. We are ready to compete against one of the best clubs in the world.”
The upcoming match against Manchester City holds special significance for Enrique, who is eager to face off against his former teammate, Pep Guardiola. With City sitting just one point and three places above PSG in the table, this encounter is pivotal for both sides. A victory could propel either team towards a more secure position in the competition, while a loss could spell disaster for their hopes of progression.
Manchester City, too, has faced its share of challenges this season. Following a dismal run of just one win in 13 matches across all competitions towards the end of 2024, the reigning Premier League champions find themselves in need of a turnaround to defend their title. However, recent performances have shown promise, with Guardiola’s side arriving in Paris on the back of an impressive 6-0 away victory over Ipswich Town.
Enrique is acutely aware of the formidable challenge that lies ahead. “It’s difficult in football to maintain the level they have achieved over the last eight or nine years,” he acknowledged. “It’s always surprising to see them in that position. But I believe they are still playing at a high level and remain an unbelievable team with a unique manager.”
As the countdown to this high-stakes encounter continues, both PSG and Manchester City will be looking to assert their dominance on the European stage. The excitement is palpable, and the footballing world will be watching closely.