Aston Villa vs PSG: Luis Enrique Downplays PSG Favorites Tag Ahead of Clash

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique refuses to acknowledge his team as favorites ahead of their Champions League quarter-final match against Aston Villa.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique is downplaying his team's chances ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa. “Against Liverpool (in the last 16) bookmakers said we had no chance. In soccer, favourites do not exist,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Tuesday. He emphasized that all eight quarter-final teams have earned their spot and that PSG will need to perform well to win.

Luis Enrique's comments highlight his team's recent experiences, where they were considered underdogs against Liverpool in the last 16 but managed to advance. “There are eight teams that are in quarter-finals because they deserve it. We will need to do what we have to do and that we deserve to win on the field,” he added, emphasizing the importance of earning their place in the competition through their performances.

PSG forward Desire Doue shares his coach's sentiment, saying, “If Aston Villa are here, it means they deserve it.” The 19-year-old believes it's unwise to label a team as the favorite, adding, "I don't think talking about a favourite is a good thing to do. Aston Villa are a very good team with good players."

🎙️ Luis Enrique: ‘It will be an intense match'#PSGAVFC https://t.co/JAOUVTgyHU

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 8, 2025

Luis Enrique also praised Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, who previously led PSG from 2016-18 and will now face his former team. “He is a great coach,” Luis Enrique said. “Aston Villa are a great team. They progressed in the last two years thanks to Unai Emery.” He noted the similarities between the two teams, saying, “Aston Villa are a team that look like us, with many versatile players. It's difficult to know who is going to play, especially after their winter transfer window where they have strengthened in a good way. It will be an open and difficult tie for both teams.”

CHAMPIONS AGAIN OLÉ OLÉ 🏆❤️💙

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— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 5, 2025

Luis Enrique is confident that his players will maintain their focus despite securing their 13th French Ligue 1 title just three days prior. ”I think we will keep seeing a great version of PSG, that we will keep playing the same way, with the same intensity or even more,” he said.

The team will be without captain Marquinhos due to suspension, but Luis Enrique is unconcerned, stating, “It's not a big deal and this is our team strength. Whichever player misses out, the team is here.” This reflects his confidence in the team's depth and ability to adapt to the absence of key players.