Luis Enrique: Lille game a good rehearsal for PSG ahead of Liverpool clash

Luis Enrique believes Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash with Lille this Saturday is the ideal preparation for their Champions League tie with Liverpool next week.

After finishing 15th in the new 36-team standings, PSG brushed aside Brest in the play-off knockout round to reach the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition.

Their reward was a meeting with Arne Slot’s side, who sit atop of the Premier League by 13 points and also finished at the summit of the first phase of the Champions League.

But Lille, who automatically qualified for the Champions League last 16 after finishing inside the top eight of the league, will pose the Parisiens a stern test this Saturday.

PSG have lost one of their last 28 home games against Lille in all competitions (W19 D8), and Luis Enrique said there were similarities between Les Dogues and Liverpool.

“I think there are similar things between Lille and Liverpool, things, particularly defensively, that can come close. So it’s a good match for us,” Luis Enrique told reporters.

“Lille are a very good team. The team (PSG) is highly motivated to show that we can play against anyone …

“The game is a big test for the players who want to play against Liverpool. It’s a great rival (Lille) with a style of play and actions similar to those of Liverpool.

“If you’re well-prepared, there’s no such thing as fatigue.”