Home SPORTS Luis Enrique's Confidence Boost for PSG's Champions League Title Defense

Luis Enrique's Confidence Boost for PSG's Champions League Title Defense

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Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique


Luis Enrique's expressed that PSG has more confidence now than last year, which he believes is crucial for their Champions League title defense.


“They changed their coach so it is tough for us to predict how they will play, but just like in previous seasons...”


PSG manager Luis Enrique exudes confidence as his team prepares to defend their Champions League title against Atalanta at the Parc des Princes. Despite key injuries to forwards Ousmane Dembele, who faces six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring issue, and Desire Doue, who's expected to miss around four weeks due to a calf problem sustained while playing for France, Enrique remains optimistic.


PSG's squad depth will be put to the test with Dembele's absence, but the team's recent form has been impressive, with four consecutive wins in Ligue 1. Bradley Barcola is likely to start in Dembele's place, who will shoulder more responsibility on the flanks. Enrique's side will aim to dominate possession and exploit Atalanta's defensive vulnerabilities.


Atalanta, meanwhile, will be without several key players, including Mitchel Bakker, Sead Kolasinac, and Gianluca Scamacca, who are all nursing injuries. Ivan Juric's side will look to utilize their quick transitions and set pieces to trouble PSG's defense. The match promises to be an intriguing battle, with PSG's star-studded squad facing off against Atalanta's disciplined and tactical approach.


The 2024/25 treble winners are riding high, remaining unbeaten in Ligue 1 with a strong start to the domestic campaign. A 2-0 win over Lens on Sunday, fueled by Bradley Barcola's double, showcases their impressive form. Barcola, a 23-year-old French forward, has been making waves with his goal-scoring prowess.


Meanwhile, defender Lucas Beraldo won't be part of the lineup for the Atalanta game due to an ankle issue. This could impact Paris Saint-Germain's defensive solidity, especially against a potent Atalanta side.




Luis Enrique, the team's manager, exudes confidence ahead of the Champions League match, stating, “We have more confidence than last year at this moment of the Champions League.” This optimism could be crucial in their European campaign.


PSG finished last season's league phase with three defeats and a draw, which left them outside the top eight and forced them to navigate the playoffs to reach the knockout rounds. Luis Enrique reflected on the challenging season, stating, “Last year, it was a complicated moment because of the lack of efficiency (due to the number of games). But it is the normal process of a team that wanted to improve... For me, it's harder to win the first than the second or third.” Enrique's comments highlight his focus on continuous improvement and the challenges of competing at the highest level.


Enrique's words suggest that he views the current season as an opportunity for PSG to build on their experiences and achieve greater success. With key injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue, the team will need to adapt and find ways to overcome these setbacks. Despite these challenges, Enrique's confidence in his team's abilities is evident, and he will look to his players to deliver a strong performance against Atalanta.


PSG manager Luis Enrique attributes his team's success to overcoming initial doubts about their capability to win the Champions League title. “The first title is always difficult because the players don't think they're capable of winning it. But we showed the way. Now, the whole of PSG and the young players want to win it, they know they're capable.” This mindset shift could be crucial as they defend their title against Atalanta on September 17, 2025, at the Parc des Princes.


“It is in my mentality to seek improvement, to show the players that there is no calm, or complacency about the future, we must constantly think about getting better,” the coach said.


“Our objective is to make history again and to win a second consecutive Champions League and we have to be ambitious.”


Atalanta is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, marking Ivan Juric's debut as the team's new coach in a European competition match. Juric takes the reins after Gian Piero Gasperini's departure, bringing a new tactical approach to the team. Atalanta will be without several key players, including Mitchel Bakker, Sead Kolasinac, and Gianluca Scamacca, due to injuries. Additionally, Ademola Lookman and Ederson are doubtful due to fitness concerns.




Atalanta's mixed form and defensive vulnerabilities might put them at a disadvantage against Paris Saint-Germain's strong attacking lineup. PSG is expected to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, while Atalanta will likely focus on quick transitions and set pieces to exploit PSG's defense.


“They changed their coach so it is tough for us to predict how they will play, but just like in previous seasons, we're talking about a tough team with quality players,” Luis Enrique said.


“Gian Piero Gasperini (previous manager) has left his mark on the team, it will be a very demanding match for us.”


Gian Piero Gasperini led Atalanta to a historic victory in the 2024 Europa League, securing their first-ever title in the competition. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the Italian coach, who had previously experienced a tough stint as Inter Milan's manager. Under Gasperini's guidance, Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final, with Ademola Lookman scoring a stunning hat-trick. This win not only brought joy to the people of Bergamo but also ended Italy's 25-year drought without a Europa League champion. Additionally, Gasperini has consistently led Atalanta to European competitions, including four Champions League qualifications, during his tenure since 2016.




Recent Performance:

Champions League Title: PSG secured their first Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final.

Club World Cup Final: Despite their success in the Champions League, PSG fell short in the Club World Cup final, losing 3-0 to Chelsea in July.

Upcoming Match: Atalanta BC vs Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for September 17, 2025, 20:00 WAT, at the Parc des Princes





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