Luis Enrique has offered a surprisingly candid take on Chelsea’s European pedigree, admitting he ‘honestly’ wants to face the Blues in the Champions League this season.
Chelsea find themselves in the round of 16 of the Champions League after finishing in the top eight, thanks to a brace from Joao Pedro against Napoli.
However, the Blues are yet to find out their opponents, but it could be one of Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco or Qarabag.
Newcastle are 6-1 up after the first leg, while PSG are 3-2 up against Monaco.
The Champions League draw is set to take place on the 27th of February, with a second leg still yet to come for Newcastle and PSG.
Who starts in place of Wesley Fofana against Arsenal?🤔
Wesley Fofana's replacement after Chelsea red card
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Luis Enrique wants Chelsea in the Champions League
The PSG head coach had this to say when asked about who he wants in the Champions League, should they advance to the round of 16.
“I’ve been asked whether I’d rather face FC Barcelona or Chelsea F.C.… and honestly, I think Chelsea would be the better option for us right now.
“Barcelona are playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of rhythm. In the Champions League, you have to be smart. If I can choose, I’d choose Chelsea.”
This wouldn’t be the first time that Chelsea have met PSG, as they got the better of the French club in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.
It’s getting ridiculous now 😡
How can Liam Rosenior stop this?
Wesley Fofana sent off for Chelsea vs Burnley
Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images
What happened the last time Chelsea faced PSG?
The last time Chelsea clashed with PSG was in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final. It was a night to remember for the Blues, who delivered a clinical 3-0 masterclass. A first-half blitz featuring a brace from Cole Palmer and a strike from Joao Pedro effectively ended the contest before the interval.
The match turned particularly ugly for the Parisians in the closing stages, as they were reduced to 10 men and Enrique himself was later investigated for a heated post-match confrontation with Pedro.
While Chelsea currently finds itself in a period of transition under Liam Rosenior, Enrique clearly hasn’t forgotten the sting of that defeat. His recent comments suggest he views a potential Champions League knockout tie as the perfect opportunity for redemption.
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