Luis Enrique: PSG ´far from the level´ to turn Champions League fortunes around

Luis Enrique believes that despite Paris Saint-Germain’s unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season, it is not enough to turn their fortunes around in the Champions League.

PSG cruised to a 3-0 win over Toulouse on Friday, maintaining their six point advantage over Monaco at the top of the standings.

The Parisiens have 32 points from their 12 league matches. Over the last 70 years, only under Thomas Tuchel have they had more at this stage (36 in 2018-19).

PSG have also scored a division-high 36 goals, netting three or more times in nine of their 12 matches this season, as many as in their last 24 last term.

However, that form has failed to transpire in the Champions League. Luis Enrique’s side sit 25th in the new 36-team league after taking four points from their four games.

And with a daunting trip to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich up next, the PSG boss said his side’s good run in the league will not be enough to win the competition.

“I think that we have numbers in Ligue 1 that are in line with our quality and in the Champions League we are far from our level. It’s not logical,” Luis Enrique said.

“It is clear that we have to improve our effectiveness, there is no doubt about it.

“A competition like the Champions League is different, is short, fewer games, it does not reward regularity, it rewards being good at the right moments.

“However, I think it’s important to go into a Champions League match having won. It’s not that it’s decisive, but it’s more positive,” the coach added.

goals and points to start the weekend!#PSGTFC I @Ligue1_ENG pic.twitter.com/FXCJXd1v2e

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 22, 2024

Friday’s victory was sealed with goals from Joao Neves, Beraldo and Vitinha, sealing a sixth consecutive Ligue 1 triumph at the Parc des Princes.

Neves has now been involved in eight league goals this season (two goals, six assists), having only recorded five goal contributions in 50 appearances for Benfica.

The Portugal international also won more duels (nine) than any other PSG player against Toulouse, with Luis Enrique showering praise on the 20-year-old.

“Joao played the first half as a pivot, which is his usual position. In the second half we made more use of his ability to bring the ball out from the back in a more delayed position. I think he was very good,” Luis Enrique said.

“Clearly when a midfielder scores the goal and it’s something we insist on, well it seems to bring out his game more. I’m more satisfied. In the second half I liked him.”