Luis Enrique has confidently stated that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have significantly improved since their defeat to Arsenal in October 2024, as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League semi-final against the same opponents. Reflecting on the 2-0 loss that PSG endured during the group stage, the Spanish coach emphasized the progress his team has made over the past several months, citing their much-improved form heading into the second leg of the competition.
“It was seven or eight months ago. I’ve watched the match back. We’re a much better team now,” Luis Enrique remarked, expressing optimism about PSG’s chances in the semi-final. Despite struggling through a challenging group phase, which saw them face tough teams like Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, PSG have emerged stronger and more confident. Enrique attributed much of this improvement to the intense series of league matches, noting that the team’s resilience during a difficult period helped them grow.
Throughout this challenging phase of the season, PSG not only clinched a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title but also demonstrated their ability to persevere through tough competition. Their domestic campaign has not been without challenges, as evidenced by recent results such as a disappointing 1-1 draw with Nantes and a 2-1 loss to Nice. However, Enrique remains unfazed by these setbacks, confidently stating that the team’s spirit remains exceptional and that such experiences have only served to strengthen their resolve.
“We had a very intense league phase, with a lot of games that could have been finals,” Enrique explained. “It was risky but it helped us, even when it was very hard. Now there’s just one road to push on towards the final.” This focus on the Champions League is clear, with PSG aiming to make a deeper run than last season when they were eliminated by Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. Enrique’s confidence in his squad is evident, and he believes that their experience from last year’s competition will be crucial in helping them overcome any challenges in this year’s semi-final.
Despite the team’s struggles in recent domestic matches, PSG’s overall morale remains high. Enrique dismissed concerns about the team’s recent results, emphasizing the strong mental and emotional state of the squad. He said, “The spirit in the squad is exceptional,” a sentiment that was shared by many of the players. He humorously added, “I’m the saddest member of the squad, so imagine how the others feel,” showing his deep investment in the team’s success and well-being.
PSG’s pursuit of their first-ever Champions League title remains the club’s top priority, a goal that has been at the forefront since the Qatari owners took control of the club in 2011. The pressure that comes with such lofty ambitions is not something that weighs heavily on the team, according to Luis Enrique. “This pressure doesn’t strangle us, we’re ambitious,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the drive to achieve greatness remains a key motivating factor for the squad.
When speaking about the importance of progressing further in the Champions League, Enrique said, “When we speak about making history, we talk about doing something that no one has done before.” He acknowledged the club’s previous setbacks but reinforced the idea that this year, the objective is clear: to take that extra step beyond what they achieved last season and reach the final.
As PSG prepares to face Arsenal in the semi-final, the message from Enrique is one of belief and ambition. With the team in better form and with greater confidence than in previous months, the French giants are determined to make a significant impact in the Champions League and cement their place as one of Europe’s elite teams.
