Luis Enrique Asserts PSG is the Superior Team Ahead of Bayern Semi-Final Clash

Three of the final four teams—PSG, Bayern, and Arsenal—currently lead their respective domestic leagues. The German outfit has secured the Bundesliga title with just a single defeat, along with one loss in European competition.

While PSG and Atletico Madrid navigated their way through the play-offs, Arsenal and Bayern dominated the league phase. In the round of 16 and quarter-finals, PSG found the net 12 times, while Bayern scored 16.

“It’s not merely about the attacking figures; if you analyse the defensive stats as well, these teams are the elite in Europe,” Luis Enrique stated to journalists ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at their home ground.

“Arsenal have had a remarkable season regarding consistency. Bayern have the upper hand with just two losses, but judging by our performance as a team, we’re right up there.

“And I believe no team is better than us. I mentioned this after we didn’t finish in the top eight during the league phase; I didn’t see any teams superior to us.”

Last season, PSG also found themselves outside the top eight in the league phase, yet they went on to win the trophy. In Ligue 1, they are now six points clear after a prolonged battle with Lens.

“Every coach aims to enter the closing stretch in the best situation possible,” the PSG manager remarked.

“It’s the magic of the Champions League that provides players with unique energy; everyone aspires to be involved and to fully embrace this moment.”

Flanks to be decisive

Luis Enrique is acutely aware of the attacking prowess Bayern brings, featuring wingers like Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, yet this will not alter PSG’s strategy heading into the tie.

“We clinched the Champions League last season with our full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, performing their roles effectively,” he noted.

“Naturally, they must defend, but we recognise that attacking will be crucial for us to secure victory.

“We understand the challenge ahead; we need to be solid defensively as well.”

The French side has long aspired to capture the Champions League, and having fulfilled that ambition last season, PSG is set on maintaining their high aspirations.

“The initial victory brought relief, but now it serves as a different motivation; last year was extraordinary,” Luis Enrique expressed. “We made history, and now we’re eager for more.”