PSG boss Luis Enrique expects tight Champions League tie with Liverpool
Paris St-Germain manager Luis Enrique insists there is no clear favourite for their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.
The Reds secured their place in the last eight with a commanding 4-0 second-leg victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s side will travel to the French capital for the first leg on 8 April before welcoming the European holders to Anfield six days later.
Domestic struggles contrast with European progress
Liverpool have endured a difficult domestic campaign and currently sit fifth in the Premier League table.
A sequence of four league fixtures without a win was compounded by a 2-1 defeat at Brighton last Saturday.
Winning Europe’s premier club competition could provide an alternative route into next season’s tournament should the defending English champions fail to secure a top-four finish.
Enrique expects stern test
The two clubs met at the last-16 stage of the competition last season, with the Parisian outfit eventually progressing via a penalty shootout.
Despite the Merseyside club’s recent league struggles, the former Spain manager is anticipating a difficult two-legged affair.
“Liverpool holds good memories for us, of course,” Enrique said.
“I remember last year. Liverpool were the best team in Europe at that stage; they were playing incredible football.”
“I’m fortunate to have an incredible team and intelligent players. They know that in this type of game, there are no favourites.”
Searching for momentum
Before their European commitments resume, the Anfield club face a crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz believes building momentum is essential if the squad is to salvage their season.
“It will be very important for us, also for our mind and also for the spirit in the team that we just create momentum and also an energy that we can win all the games now,” the 22-year-old told club media.
“It’s always better to win and of course we need the points as well so we will be ready for the game and try to take the three points home.”
