Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is gearing up for their Champions League clash against Newcastle United as if it were a final, according to manager Luis Enrique
In a tightly contested Group F, where all four teams remain in contention, PSG aims to leverage home advantage in Tuesday’s match at the Parc des Princes.
Enrique emphasized the importance of the fans, anticipating a vibrant atmosphere to boost the team’s performance.
“The Parc des Princes will carry us, I expect a great atmosphere. We really need the fans, we need a warmer and more passionate stadium than normal,” Luis Enrique told a press conference.
“We will play this game like a final. At this level, home games are key matches. The public is a special asset for us, we expect incredible support.”
Reflecting on their previous 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in October, Enrique acknowledged the physical strength and intense pressing style of the Premier League side, especially evident in their recent 4-1 victory over Chelsea.
“They’re very strong physically, they’re able to press hard and very high, there’s a lot of intensity.
“If you saw their last game against Chelsea, the physical date is still at that level. We know that will be the case again tomorrow, we will have to be ready.”
Despite PSG’s current position atop Ligue 1 with six consecutive league wins, Enrique believes there’s room for improvement and sees the team as a work in progress.
“The team is still not what I want it to be, but we’re in a process of discovery, we can get even more out of our players, and we can go even further,” Enrique said.
“But I like what I see already. There is already a lot of satisfaction but still a lot of room for improvement.”
With just three points separating group leaders Borussia Dortmund from bottom-placed Newcastle, PSG has the opportunity to secure progression by defeating the English side, provided AC Milan doesn’t win against Dortmund.
“We’re in a difficult, tight group, tomorrow the match is decisive since the group can be decided after the fifth matchday,” Luis Enrique said.
“But everything could also be decided on the last day, but I know my team is ready for tomorrow and can do great things.”
As PSG sits second in Group F with six points, one point behind Dortmund and one ahead of Milan, the outcome against Newcastle could significantly impact their advancement in the competition.
