Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has boldly declared his side the best team in Europe ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Spaniard pointed to his team's all-round performances this season as the basis for his confidence, while also acknowledging the threat posed by their German opponents and fellow semi-finalists Arsenal.
Enrique stated that, based on the evidence of the campaign, no one has shown a higher level than PSG. He highlighted not only their prolific attacking statistics but also their defensive solidity as key strengths. However, he conceded that Bayern Munich, who have lost only two matches all season, possess a slight edge in terms of consistency. The coach framed the tie as an attractive clash between two attacking sides, emphasizing that the ability to defend well would be just as crucial as offensive prowess in determining the outcome.
When asked about the specific threat posed by Bayern's wingers, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, Enrique dismissed any notion of setting his full-backs, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, on purely defensive duties. He referenced the pair's roles in PSG's Champions League triumph last season, insisting that to win such matches a team must attack as much as possible. Enrique asserted that his side would not approach the tie with a calculating mentality, but with the intention of winning both legs.
The PSG boss was also generous in his praise of Bayern's squad and their manager, Vincent Kompany. Enrique described every Bayern player as top-level and said he loves to watch the team play due to their attacking philosophy. He specifically commended Kompany, noting the Belgian's previous work in England with Burnley and the clear identity he has already implemented at the Allianz Arena, making Bayern a difficult proposition for any opponent. This sets the stage for a compelling tactical battle between two coaches who prioritize an expansive style of play, with a place in the Champions League final at Wembley on the line.
