Luis Enrique has expressed confidence that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are “a much better team” than when they suffered defeat to Arsenal in October, as they prepare for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The French champions return to London on Tuesday, having faced a tough group phase with losses to Arsenal (2-0), Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
“It was seven or eight months ago. I’ve watched the match back. We’re a much better team now,” Luis Enrique said on Monday.
“We had a very intense league phase, with a lot of games that could have been finals.
“It was risky but it helped us, even when it was very hard.
“Now there’s just one road to push on towards the final.”
Although PSG recently secured a fourth straight Ligue 1 title, their form has dipped slightly with a draw against Nantes and a defeat to Nice.
“It doesn’t worry me,” the Spanish coach said.
“The spirit in the squad is exceptional.”
“I’m the saddest member of the squad, so imagine how the others feel,” he added.
This marks PSG’s return to the Champions League semi-finals for a second consecutive season, having lost to Borussia Dortmund at this stage last year.
The club’s Qatari owners have made lifting the trophy a clear ambition since taking over in 2011.
“This pressure doesn’t strangle us, we’re ambitious,” Luis Enrique said.
“When we speak about making history, we talk about doing something that no-one has done before.
“The objective is to go an extra step, having been at the same stage of the competition last year,” he added.
What you should know
Luis Enrique believes PSG have grown stronger since their early-season defeat to Arsenal, as the team aims to make history by reaching the Champions League final after falling short at the same stage last season.
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