Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has made it clear that labels will not define the outcome when his side faces Liverpool FC in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday night.
Speaking ahead of the crucial European clash, Enrique dismissed any talk of favourites. The Spanish manager pointed to last season as a reminder of how unpredictable knockout football can be.
“It doesn’t matter who the favourite is, it’s impossible. I don’t think we are,” Enrique said. “Last year, everyone said it was Liverpool and PSG qualified.”
His message was simple. Reputation and pre-match opinions carry no weight once the game begins.
Midfielder Vitinha echoed his manager’s stance. The Portuguese international stressed that both teams understand the realities of elite football, especially at this stage of the competition.
“You say we are favourites… like you said for Liverpool last year, it means nothing,” Vitinha stated. “We know football well, you too. There is no favourite.”
The comments reflect a focused mindset within the PSG camp. Despite strong form and growing confidence, the French side is keen to avoid complacency against a team with vast European experience.