PSG Launch Champions League Defence Against Slovan Bratislava

Paris Saint-Germain begin their Champions League defence against Slovan Bratislava at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, with Luis Enrique challenging his players to adapt quickly if they are to pursue a third consecutive European crown.

A rare European target

PSG enter the new campaign as reigning Champions League winners and with the chance to chase an achievement reached by only three clubs in the competition’s history. Real Madrid have completed the feat twice, first from 1956 to 1960 and again between 2016 and 2018, while Ajax won three straight titles from 1971 to 1973 and Bayern Munich followed with victories from 1974 to 1976.

Luis Enrique said the status of champions changes the challenge facing his side, with every opponent especially motivated to face them. He wants PSG to avoid complacency and continually develop rather than rely on last season’s success.

“Every team is eager to play against us,” he said. “We must accept that and move beyond what feels comfortable. You have to renew yourself each day.”

An uneven domestic opening

The Champions League opener arrives after a difficult start in Ligue 1. PSG have collected two points from their first three league fixtures and allowed six goals, although their manager does not believe the early results tell the full story.

Luis Enrique pointed to last season, when the team required time to reach its level before securing both the French title and the Champions League. PSG also had to negotiate the Champions League play-off route in each of the previous two seasons.

• PSG have two points after three Ligue 1 matches.
• The side have conceded six goals in that run.
• Luis Enrique believes performances have merited a greater points return.
• Captain Marquinhos accepted that there have been mistakes below PSG’s normal standards.

The coach said a results-only assessment would make the start appear disastrous, but maintained that the staff can identify the positives and the areas requiring correction. He added that several opposition goals had been of high quality and said focus on minor details should help tighten the defence over the season.

Marquinhos said conceding goals is particularly frustrating for defenders. PSG have reviewed video from the opening matches, he explained, and the squad must be candid about its shortcomings. The captain added that the players understand the demands being set by a manager who is direct with them.

A demanding route through the league phase

PSG’s principal aim is to secure a top-eight place in the Champions League league phase, which would send them directly into the knockout rounds and remove the need for another play-off tie. The draw, however, includes meetings with Manchester City, Barcelona and Aston Villa.

Luis Enrique said he continually demands more from his group but recognised that dropped points are likely against such opposition. He expects qualification to be difficult, as it has been over the last two campaigns.

Stability despite summer turnover

PSG have sought continuity in the squad despite generating more than €400 million ($464m) in summer transfer income, the highest total among European clubs. Those departures were players who had largely been used from the bench under Luis Enrique, although France forward Bradley Barcola was the major name to leave in the window’s biggest deal.

The French champions have added Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts, Lucas Digne and Alessandro Longoni. Luis Enrique said the arrivals are still settling into their new environment and that the coaching staff are working with each player individually to speed up the process.

His focus is on giving the newcomers clear, tailored guidance so that they can adjust as soon as possible, beginning with Wednesday’s visit of Slovan Bratislava.