Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has dismissed any notion of a favorite as his team prepares to face Liverpool FC in the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking ahead of the match at Parc des Princes in Paris, Enrique emphasized that matches at this stage are too balanced to predict a clear winner.
“There are no favorites at this point. It’s crucial to focus on what we can control,” Enrique said. “Liverpool are a top-level team. Thinking you are the favorite can backfire. It’s impossible to label one side as the favorite in a game like this.”
The Spanish tactician also highlighted the overall quality within Liverpool’s squad and coaching staff, warning his players not to underestimate their opponents despite recent setbacks.
Liverpool come into the match after back-to-back defeats, including a heavy loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup and another defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. However, Enrique believes those results do not reflect their true strength.
“Liverpool are always a difficult team to face,” he added.
To gain an advantage, Enrique wants PSG to dominate possession and limit the influence of key players like Mohamed Salah.
The 54-year-old coach remains confident that his squad can deliver a strong performance and push for qualification to the next round.
“We want to go through to the next stage. It won’t be easy, but we are motivated. We want to enjoy playing at Parc des Princes,” he said.
This encounter marks another knockout meeting between PSG and Liverpool, following their clash in the previous season’s Round of 16. On that occasion, PSG advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout victory, winning 4-1 after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
