PSG´s opponents ´more motivated´ to beat them in Champions League, says Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique believes Paris Saint-Germain’s opponents in the Champions League are “more motivated” to beat them as the holders, with Athletic Club next up.

PSG have won four and lost one of their five Champions League matches so far, with their sole defeat coming against Bayern Munich.

However, things have not been plain sailing for them in the competition despite some big scorelines – they had to come from behind to beat Tottenham 5-3 last time out.

According to the Opta supercomputer, PSG are the third favourites to win the Champions League again this season, with a 14% chance of lifting the trophy. Only Arsenal (22%) and Bayern (18%) are deemed more likely winners.

And Luis Enrique highlighted the need for his team to be alert from the first whistle if they want to hold onto their place in the race for the top eight places.

“This year, our opponents are more motivated because we are the European champions,” he said. “That’s an extra motivation.

“We have to accept the difficulty; they play with a very physical and technical rhythm. They know how to defend and attack, so we’ll have to be ready.

“My team won’t take to the pitch calmly. The match isn’t won in advance. Our objective is to win again. We have to be courageous. We want to be first.

“We need to monitor the atmosphere. I told the players it would be difficult. Athletic is a chameleon with a perfect symbiosis between the team and the fans.

“There are a lot of dynamic young players who play well right away. It will be difficult. We’ll have to put on a good performance.”

“I’m sure they’ll put us under pressure from the start. I don’t know how many scenarios we’ll have. They’re playing with our hearts. We have to keep going with what we’re doing.”

Athletic and PSG have met twice previously in European competition, with both sides winning their home match in the group stage of the 2011-12 Europa League.

But PSG have won 13 games in the Champions League in 2025, the most-ever by a side in the competition’s history (1992-93 onwards).

And this season in the competition, they have scored the most goals (19) and had the most shots (102) ahead of matchday six.

In a big boost for the European champions, Desire Doue has returned from injury and is back in the squad, and Luis Enrique is hoping he can get the winger on the San Mames pitch at some point.

“Doue is back; it’s important for us to know how to manage his minutes,” Luis Enrique said.

“I saw him this week. I hope he can play [on Wednesday], and we’ll see about his exact playing time.”