Luis Enrique Insists PSG Are Not Favourites Against Aston Villa In Champions League Quarter-Final

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are set to face Aston Villa in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Despite their recent success, PSG's coach Luis Enrique believes they should not be seen as favourites. After a shaky league stage, PSG found form by defeating Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the knockout play-off round. They then overcame Liverpool in the round of 16 through penalties after a 1-1 draw.

In the second leg against Liverpool, Ousmane Dembele scored at Anfield, and Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves in the shoot-out. This victory ended PSG's poor record against English teams in the Champions League, having been eliminated by Manchester City and Manchester United in previous years. "Against Liverpool, the bookmakers said we had no chance," remarked Luis Enrique. "In football, favourites do not exist."

Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery returns to Parc des Princes, where he previously managed PSG from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, he secured a Ligue 1 title and two Coupe de France titles. Luis Enrique praised Emery as a great coach and acknowledged Aston Villa's progress under his leadership. "Aston Villa are a team that looks like us," Enrique noted.

PSG forward Desire Doue echoed his coach’s views on not focusing on favourites. He stated, "If Aston Villa are here, it means they deserve it." The young player acknowledged Villa as a strong team with talented players. PSG will miss their captain Marquinhos due to suspension but remain confident in their squad depth.

Luis Enrique is optimistic about maintaining PSG's unbeaten form after clinching their 13th Ligue 1 title just days ago. He expressed confidence that his team would continue playing with high intensity. "I think we will keep seeing a great version of PSG," he added.

This encounter marks the first European competition meeting between PSG and Aston Villa. It is also only the second time in eight seasons that French and English clubs have met at this stage of the Champions League since Manchester City faced Lyon in 2020.

The first leg will take place at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, followed by the return leg at Villa Park a week later. Both teams aim to demonstrate why they deserve to advance further in this prestigious tournament.