Luis Enrique before the visit to Bayern: 'We complicated everything on our own'

On the eve of a crucial clash against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, PSG head coach Luis Enrique faced the press with a mix of realism and determination.

Despite the team's precarious position 25th in the overall standings, just outside the qualification spots for the knockout stage the Spanish coach exuded confidence in his players and their ability to rise to the occasion. Tuesday’s match at the Allianz Arena, scheduled for 8:00 PM, could well define the trajectory of PSG's European campaign this season.

Luis Enrique spoke following midfielder Vitinha, who had emphasized the team's focus and belief in their quality. Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, the coach praised Bayern’s strengths while highlighting the similarities between the two teams. Both sides, he noted, prioritize high-intensity pressing and possession-based football, creating a compelling tactical matchup. “It’s very clear that we are two similar teams. We want possession, we press very high... we have similar statistics. We are one of the best teams in creating goal-scoring opportunities, but there will only be one ball, so one team will have to endure. Either them or us,” he stated, emphasizing the need for precision and efficiency in front of goal.

Reflecting on PSG's performances so far this season, Luis Enrique pointed to the team’s overall consistency, save for the match against Arsenal, as evidence of their potential. He stressed the importance of maintaining their style of play while also stepping up their intensity to match the occasion. “Across 12 Ligue 1 matches and four Champions League games, except probably against Arsenal, we’ve performed well. We’ll continue like this, and we’ll certainly need to push harder against Bayern, running more and stepping up our level,” he explained.

The coach avoided disclosing whether Gonçalo Ramos, who has recently returned from injury, would feature in the lineup. Instead, he stressed the collective readiness of the squad: “Everyone has to be ready.” This approach underscores the importance of depth and flexibility in navigating a challenging schedule, particularly against a team of Bayern’s caliber.

Luis Enrique did not shy away from the reality of PSG's current predicament. After four group-stage matches three of which were played at home in the Parc des Princes the team finds itself outside the top 16. For a club of PSG's stature, this position is undoubtedly disappointing, but the coach was quick to highlight the fine margins that have shaped their results. “It’s obvious that after four matches, three of them at the Parc des Princes, with results that were fair or unfair unfair, in my opinion we now need good results to qualify. We complicated everything on our own, and football is what it is. We need to score,” he admitted, acknowledging the need for greater efficiency in key moments.

Despite the challenges, Luis Enrique remains optimistic about the team’s level of play and their ability to adapt. He highlighted the importance of taking risks, both offensively and defensively, as a necessary strategy against a powerhouse like Bayern Munich. “I believe we are already at a high level, with some combinations that are more or less effective, but we’ll give it our all. We’ll attack and take risks in defense. If Bayern is better than us, we’ll applaud them and get back to work,” he concluded.

The stakes for Tuesday’s match could not be higher. PSG currently sits in 25th place overall in the Champions League standings, a position that does not grant access to the knockout stage. With just four points from four matches, the Parisians are in desperate need of a win. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is also under pressure, ranked 17th with six points. A victory for either side could significantly improve their chances of progressing to the next phase, while a loss would leave their hopes hanging by a thread.

PSG’s attacking lineup, led by stars like Kylian Mbappé, will need to be at its clinical best to break through Bayern’s formidable defense. At the same time, the team must address defensive vulnerabilities that have cost them dearly in previous matches. For Bayern, who possess a wealth of attacking talent themselves, the focus will likely be on maintaining dominance at home and exploiting any gaps in PSG’s backline.

The matchup is not just a battle for points but also a clash of philosophies, with both teams aiming to assert their identity on the grandest stage. For Luis Enrique, the game represents an opportunity to solidify his project at PSG and to demonstrate that the French champions can compete with the very best in Europe. For PSG fans, it is a moment of truth a test of whether their team can finally overcome the hurdles that have often derailed their Champions League ambitions.