Luis Enrique urges PSG caution despite perfect Champions League start

Paris Saint-Germain travel to Villarreal seeking a fourth consecutive Champions League victory, but Luis Enrique has insisted that recent 4-2 wins over Manchester City and Barcelona offer no protection at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

What changed for PSG

PSG remain top of the league-phase standings after winning each of their opening three European matches. Their latest victory over Barcelona came at a significant cost, however, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The winger has undergone knee surgery and faces an extended rehabilitation period. Luis Enrique will also again be without Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes for the trip to Spain.

The PSG coach said his selection and approach would not be altered by the absences, stressing that the team must be capable of delivering a performance irrespective of the available players or the occasion.

Competition context

As reigning back-to-back European champions, PSG arrive with considerable momentum, but Luis Enrique warned his players against relying on their earlier results. He said victory would require ambition, determination and the capacity to maintain their running levels throughout the match.

He described Villarreal as a strong side with a capable coach, adding that PSG must establish their intent from the opening minutes. Last season, PSG began the competition in similarly positive form but did not finish among the top eight, a result Luis Enrique wants to improve upon this time.

Villarreal have already shown they can trouble elite opposition. They led Liverpool 2-0 in their previous Champions League fixture before the home side recovered to draw level by half-time and ultimately win 4-3.

Iñigo Pérez’s Villarreal are eighth in LaLiga. Their coach called PSG a European “juggernaut” and sees the match as an important measure of the belief his squad have been building.

What is scheduled next

PSG face Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Wednesday, with the visitors aiming to preserve their perfect Champions League record.

• PSG have won their first three league-phase matches and lead the standings.
• Villarreal will look to reproduce the intensity that helped them build a two-goal advantage against Liverpool.
• Luis Enrique expects Villarreal’s pressing to be a major challenge and has called for PSG to be prepared for every scenario.