Luis Enrique speaks ahead of Barcelona-PSG: focus on ball possession
In a measured and confident tone, Luis Enrique addressed reporters at a press conference ahead of a highly anticipated clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The venue is Montjuïc, not Camp Nou, but the stakes are as high as ever as the former Barça coach returns to a city where he built a legacy. He spoke of calm, control, and the nerve to press high, outlining a simple but demanding plan: dominate the ball and dictate the tempo from the opening whistle.
The ball is king: the tactical message
Asked what will decide the match, Enrique did not hesitate. “The key will be to take the ball from them,” he said, emphasizing the need to win the possession battle against a PSG side known for its transition quality. He added a candid caveat about the challenge of sustaining such control, noting that achieving it with players like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong can sometimes feel almost impossible. Yet the Spaniard did not back down from the challenge, underscoring that Arsenal-like patience is a weapon in European nights when space is at a premium.
Return to the city and Montjuïc memories
When reflecting on his return to Barcelona and the memories attached to the city, Enrique offered warmth and gratitude rather than nostalgia. “I can’t say a word bad about Barcelona. I will be grateful forever, and I always feel the fans’ affection,” he stated, signaling how the emotional landscape of this match remains important. On Montjuïc, a ground steeped in history for him, he acknowledged that it isn’t the same as the Camp Nou but still carries significant memories—”like the opening ceremony of the 1992 Olympics”—a reminder of the enduring ties between Catalonia’s capital and its football story.
Past vs. present: a coach’s eye on Barça under Xavi
Concerning the evolution of Barcelona, Enrique avoided direct comparisons, choosing instead to praise the current Barça under Xavi. “I don’t like comparisons. I can only say I love Barça under Xavi. He is at the highest level, not hesitating, pressing high and pushing forward. I love watching this Barça play; it’s entertaining,” he said, signaling respect for the coach who has re-energized the club’s approach and philosophy.
Absences, results, and the broader squad picture
The discussion also touched on how to approach a squad with inevitable injuries and absences. His pragmatic line was clear: “We can focus on the absences or on the results. It doesn’t matter who plays; all players are good. We are here to compete, not to complain.” He framed the match as a test of collective strength and depth, a reminder that preparation must translate into performance on the night.
Dembélé, Ballon d’Or, and the PSG project
The topic of Ousmane Dembélé surfaced in a broader reflection on PSG’s roster and the club’s financial means to recruit top talent. “As coaches we are 100 percent responsible when we lose, and almost never when we win. My luck at PSG is that we have the best players and the financial means to sign them,” Enrique said, touching on the weight of expectation that comes with a deep, star-studded squad. It was a reminder that, even within a team of superstars, the margin for error remains razor-thin on nights like these.
Pedri and a playful nod to football magic
Perhaps the most light-hearted moment came when Enrique praised Barcelona’s midfield jewel and offered a playful comparison: “He knows me very well. For me, he is Harry Potter. I hope he doesn’t bring his wand tomorrow. But it’s not only Pedri—Barcelona has a wealth of players of the highest level. With the ball and without it, this is an amazing team.” The remark, while humorous, underscored the respect for Pedri’s influence and the sense that Barcelona’s identity can emerge in many shapes on a grand European stage.
Conclusion: a test of control and resilience
As Enrique framed it, the evening is about more than one tactical tweak or one matchup. It’s about a ball-dominant approach, a belief in a deep squad, and a touch of optimism about a Barça era that continues to evolve under Xavi and his successors. The Montjuïc night will be a test of control, tempo, and the kind of composure that can turn possession into decisive moments. For Enrique, it’s not just about facing PSG; it’s about verifying that Barcelona’s best days are still being written, one possession at a time.
