Luis Enrique sees Lille clash as a dress rehearsal for Liverpool tie

Speaking ahead of the Lille encounter, the Spanish coach emphasised the importance of facing a strong opponent with a comparable style to Liverpool. "To prepare for a game against Liverpool, there's no better exercise than playing a high-level team with a similar approach," he stated in his pre-match press conference.

Lille, the only other French team still competing in Europe, has impressed in continental competition this season. Luis Enrique acknowledged both the similarities and differences between the two teams but highlighted their defensive structures in particular.

"I think it's a great test against a side that had an excellent group stage in Europe," he remarked. He also downplayed any concerns over fatigue ahead of Wednesday's clash, despite Liverpool having the weekend off. "If you're motivated and well-prepared, fatigue isn't an issue. If you enjoy training, playing at the Parc des Princes, it's not a problem," he insisted.

The former Spain manager expressed satisfaction with PSG's recent performances, noting the team's progress since the start of the year while admitting there is still room for improvement. "We're in a good rhythm, we know what needs to be done in every situation, and we just have to keep going. At this stage, there’s little left to prepare—the most important thing is to recover well," he explained.

He also viewed PSG's busy schedule as a positive sign. "If we have a packed fixture list, it's because we’re competing on all fronts. The only thing we can do is manage playing time, but fortunately, I have a fully fit squad to choose from, and that’s something I really appreciate," he concluded.

 

February 28, 2025