Luis Enrique Praises PSG After Champions League Win Over Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique praised his team's collective performance after its 4-2 victory over FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Speaking after the match, the Spanish manager highlighted PSG's ability to dominate the first half, withstand Barcelona's response and adapt its approach to secure the result.

According to Luis Enrique, the performance demonstrated the team's attacking flexibility and defensive commitment. He also rejected the suggestion that one result should determine how PSG is judged over the course of the competition.

Reflecting on the team's performance across both halves, Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of evaluating PSG beyond individual results.

"You cannot judge a team based on just one or two results. What interests me is seeing how the team can play sensationally in the first half. We had numerous chances.

In the second half, Barcelona were better for 15 minutes, but we managed to withstand the pressure. Our team adapts on the pitch through counterattacks and scoring goals. We are constantly adapting.

That is the team we are." Luis Enrique said.

The victory came against a Barcelona side whose individual quality the PSG manager acknowledged. However, he insisted that the result would not determine the eventual outcome of the Champions League, pointing instead to the decisive stages later in the season.

When asked whether PSG should be considered the favorite to win the competition, Luis Enrique dismissed the discussion and stressed that the team remained focused on each match.

"I don't care! I haven't seen anyone make us the favorites until now. That's how it is.

This match is not decisive. That will come in April, as it does every year. We know we are looking to compete and win every match.

The rest is not important." Luis Enrique said.

The manager also cautioned against drawing conclusions from PSG's position in the competition's opening phase. He recalled that the team had faced two opponents from Pot 1, Manchester City and Barcelona, and pointed to last season's league-phase standings as a reason to remain focused.

Discussing the team's immediate priorities, Luis Enrique explained that PSG would enjoy the victory without losing sight of its next domestic fixture.

"We have already played against two teams from Pot 1, City and Barcelona. I remind you that last year, we had the same number of points and did not finish in the top eight. We will enjoy this match, but we are already looking ahead to Sunday's match against Lyon to show our ambition." Luis Enrique said.

Explaining PSG's approach against Barcelona, the coach highlighted the team's aggressive pressing and the influence of the supporters. He also recognized the technical ability of Barcelona's midfield and attacking players, including Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.

"I saw PSG as usual. Aggressive. With our supporters, it is easier for us to press because we feel their energy.

It is the best approach to winning matches. Pressing a team of this level is difficult. With players like Pedri, Yamal and Olmo, their individual quality is incredible.

This shows what kind of team we are." Luis Enrique said.

Asked whether PSG had the best midfield in the world, Luis Enrique expressed complete confidence in his squad. He also named Warren Zaire-Emery and Senny Mayulu while emphasizing that the team's forwards contributed defensively as well as in attack.

"Of course. And don't forget Warren and Senny Mayulu. I have the best players in the world.

For me and the supporters, there are no better players than ours. People can think differently from me; that does not interest me. I have confidence in my players.

The midfield was exceptional, but the attackers were exceptional too, particularly in the way they defended. We expect them to score, which is normal, but we also defended with our forwards tonight. The work in the first half was done very well."

Luis Enrique said.

Despite the convincing result, PSG faced uncertainty over three injured players. Luis Enrique said Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos would undergo tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of their injuries.

Addressing the injuries, the coach acknowledged that the setbacks overshadowed part of the team's successful evening.

"I am not the doctor. The three players are injured, and we have to wait until tomorrow, Wednesday, for the tests. That is the worst news of the evening." Luis Enrique said.

Lucas Hernandez also received special recognition from the PSG manager for his defensive performance against Barcelona. Hernandez had started in place of the unavailable Nuno Mendes and made a significant contribution at both ends of the pitch.

Assessing the French defender's display, Luis Enrique praised his experience, marking and energy, as well as his goal.

"It is obvious! We have a player like Lucas Hernandez, with his experience, and he did an incredible job marking one of the best players in the world. He did everything right and scored a goal.

He deserves it because he is a player with energy who is positive and shares the benefit of his experience. I am happy for him." Luis Enrique said.

PSG's next scheduled match is against Lyon on Sunday, when Luis Enrique intends to demonstrate the team's ambition beyond its Champions League performance.