Paris Saint-Germain welcome Liverpool to the Parc des Princes for their Champions League quarter-final on Wednessday night
Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish coach Luis Enrique addresses media representatives (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain's Spanish coach Luis Enrique addresses media representatives (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
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Luis Enrique has attempted to ease the pressure on Paris Saint-Germain by dismissing suggestions the Champions League holders are not favourites in their quarter-final clash with Liverpool.
The teams meet at the Parc des Princes in Wednesday evening's first leg in a rematch of last season's round of 16 when they traded 1-0 away wins before the French side progressed on penalties in the Anfield return.
Liverpool go into the game on the back of a dreadful 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final loss at Manchester City on Saturday having won only two of their last seven games in all competitions.
By contrast, PSG are top of Ligue Un and have been allowed to postpone their title showdown with Lens this coming weekend to concentrate on their Champions League defence. Liverpool must entertain Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
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But Enrique is adamant form will count for nothing going into the rematch with the Reds.
"It doesn't matter who the favourites are, because in this type of match, it's impossible to have a favourite," said Enrique.
"I don't believe we are favourites. Last year, everyone said it was Liverpool and we qualified. The first leg last season was a very, very high-level match. I would sign up for the same match but not for the same result.
"We hope to have more of the ball than Liverpool, but we know how difficult it is, because they are a very good team with a very good coach."
While forward Bradley Barcola has returned to training following an ankle problem, Enrique admits it is unlikely he will feature at the Parc des Princes with midfielder Fabian Ruiz also still out with a knee issue.
"If he’s still unwell, he won’t play tomorrow," said Enrique of Barcola on Tuesday. "He had a partial training session yesterday and a full session today.
"He’s coming back. We’re finding the best conditions. He’ll tell us when he’s ready. He’s lacking a little confidence.
"Ruiz? That’s how it is. When a player is injured, we have to wait and see how he feels."
Former PSG forward Hugo Ekitike is expected to start for Liverpool here in France with midfielder Vitinha looking forward to locking swords with his former team-mate.
"He's a fantastic guy, I really enjoyed the year with him," Vitinha said. "He has a lot of qualities. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out for him (at PSG).
"But he's turned things around in his favour. We hope he's not feeling at top form tomorrow, but I wish him all the best - except for these two matches.
"Today, it's a different season with changes in both teams. Even if Liverpool's current form isn't ideal, they're still a great team with great players."