Luis Enrique Emphasises the Need for PSG to Maintain Ball Control Against Liverpool

According to Paris St Germain’s manager, Luis Enrique, the team’s capacity to maintain possession during their Champions League second leg against Liverpool is crucial as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure their place in the quarter-finals.

PSG demonstrated their superiority during last week’s 1-0 home defeat, yet Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson’s series of outstanding saves kept the English side in contention until substitute Harvey Elliott netted the winner in the 87th minute, securing a last-minute victory.

“Tuesday’s game will be more evenly matched. I’m feeling positive about what my team can achieve. Naturally, we need to defend and attack in unison, maintain control of the ball as much as possible, and then we can create opportunities,” Enrique remarked to reporters.

“Our aim is clear: to outperform our opponents, especially on their turf. Playing away is always challenging, but we aim to manage the situation.”

“We’re aware of our strengths and the areas we need to enhance. Our focus is on ball retention—that’s our foundational strategy—and we’ll adapt as the match unfolds.”

The Spanish coach has plenty of experience in overturning challenging situations in the Champions League.

While managing Barcelona, he oversaw the historic comeback in 2017 where they became the first team to recover from a four-goal deficit against PSG in a knockout round, a feat celebrated as one of the greatest comebacks in the competition’s history.

When asked about replicating that achievement, he replied: “I would have preferred not to have faced the necessity of coming back from four goals down against PSG with Barcelona.”

“Yet in my career, even in difficult moments, there are always factors you can influence. I find that aspect intriguing, and I possess the capability to manage it.”

Enrique also dismissed any concerns about PSG being intimidated by Anfield’s atmosphere, stating: “Every player in our squad is eager to play here. It’s a historic stadium in European football.”

“It serves as a significant motivation for both the players and the team. We want to demonstrate our capability to perform well in Liverpool’s ground.”

PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shared his manager’s viewpoint, emphasising the need for the French side to be more decisive in front of goal.

“The key on the pitch is to stay focused on our tasks and give our all. It doesn’t matter whether we’re in Paris or at Anfield; we must always strive to do our best,” the Georgian international stated.

“In our last match, we created numerous opportunities but failed to convert. This Tuesday, we must be prepared for anything. Whenever we get the chance to score, we must take it.”