After suffering a second defeat in the Champions League this season, Paris Saint-Germain finds itself outside the qualifying spots for the next stage. Head coach Luis Enrique offered a candid response when asked if his team could risk an early exit from Europe’s top tournament by January. “Without a doubt,” the Spanish coach admitted, acknowledging the challenge his team now faces. PSG, despite leading the Ligue 1 standings, is grappling with results that haven’t reflected their ambitions in European competition.
Dominance in attack, but short on goals
Enrique expressed his frustration at PSG’s inability to convert scoring opportunities. Reflecting on the recent match, he noted his team’s attacking strength, which has been evident not only in this game but across all their European home fixtures this season. However, he pointed to a lack of finishing luck, stating, “What’s happened to us is unexplainable and unjust.” In his view, the results have not done justice to PSG’s level of play, leaving them with a puzzling four points despite outperforming their opponents.
The coach described the game as difficult to digest, pointing to a peculiar pattern in recent matches. “We need 20 clear chances to score a goal, while our opponent sneezes and manages to score,” he said, conveying the frustration of seeing a defensive misstep lead to a goal by Correa. He called the goal a “joke” that came at the worst possible moment, undermining his team’s hard work.
Determined to push forward
Luis Enrique made it clear that PSG would continue to push forward in their quest for qualification, though he acknowledged the road ahead would be challenging. With four matches left, he emphasized the need to persist, adding that any necessary adjustments would be made if qualification was not achieved. “My faith in my players is unshakeable – they do what I tell them to, and at the Parc des Princes none of our supporters ever gives in – as is the case for us,” he asserted.
Despite his confidence in the team’s resolve, Enrique was transparent about the uncertainty of their qualification chances. “Given the run we’re on, I can’t guarantee that we will qualify,” he admitted. With their Champions League future on the line, PSG now faces a critical juncture where resilience and adaptation will be key to overcoming their current challenges.
