As PSG prepares to face Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg, coach Luis Enrique is exuding confidence in his team’s ability to mount a comeback. Despite losing the first leg 3-2 in Paris, Enrique firmly believes that his side can turn the tie around at the Olympic Stadium. Drawing from his own experience as the former coach of Barcelona, where he orchestrated a historic 6-1 win over PSG after a 4-0 deficit, Enrique is optimistic about the potential for a similar feat on the opposite side of the divide.
Enrique emphasizes the importance of taking the game to Barcelona, stating that PSG will not hold back in their approach. He anticipates a high-pressing game from his team, while expecting Barcelona to rely on long passes, as evidenced by goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s record-breaking 24 long passes in the first leg. Enrique predicts a goal-filled encounter, given the 3-2 scoreline, highlighting the necessity for PSG to be proactive and go for the win.
In the lead-up to the match, Luis Enrique reiterated his belief that he embodies Barcelona’s DNA and style of football better than current Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández. While standing by his previous comments, Enrique acknowledges Xavi’s coaching abilities and expresses admiration for him as a manager. He clarifies that his statement was not meant to disparage Xavi but rather to emphasize his own connection to Barcelona’s footballing ethos.
Xavi, on the other hand, views Enrique as one of the most influential coaches in his playing career, alongside the likes of Pep Guardiola and Luis Aragonés. Having played under Enrique during Barcelona’s treble-winning season in 2014-15, Xavi praises Enrique’s emphasis on attacking football. He anticipates a fiercely contested match between two attacking-minded teams and emphasizes the importance of the home crowd creating a vibrant atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium.
As both teams prepare for the crucial second leg, Barcelona will be without Andreas Christensen and Sergi Roberto due to suspension, while Gavi and Alejandro Balde remain sidelined with injuries. PSG, on the other hand, welcomes back right-back Achraf Hakimi, who was suspended for the first leg. The outcome of the match will determine which team progresses to face either Atlético Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semifinals.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between PSG and Barcelona, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the Champions League semifinals. Luis Enrique’s confidence in his team’s ability to mount a comeback adds an intriguing dynamic to the matchup, while Xavi’s admiration for his former coach underscores the mutual respect between the two sides. As the Olympic Stadium prepares to host this high-stakes clash, football fans can expect a battle of tactical acumen and attacking flair as PSG and Barcelona vie for a place among Europe’s elite.
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