Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has played down talks that his side are strong favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.
Enrique, 53, is relishing the opportunity to reach another major European final after guiding Barcelona to victory in the competition back in 2015.
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But he is not underestimating the ability of the German side, who finished second to the French champions during the group stages.
When told PSG were considered favourites, he said: “That shows the press doesn’t know much about football.
🗣️ L.Enrique: “Tomorrow is the time to be competitive! Our goal is to win, my team is courageous!” pic.twitter.com/DNPk2F3vyz
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 30, 2024
“What’s great about being here is that we can enjoy a really special game at a unique stadium in Europe.
“We have a chance to make our fans really happy by reaching the final. That’s what we’ve earned the right to do. We’ll try to enjoy that.
“We will try to win both legs. It’s not in our handbook to leave things to chance. It will be a wonderful spectacle for everyone who loves football.”
PSG beat Dortmund 2-0 at the Parc des Princes in September but were held 1-1 in Germany three months later.
Edin Terzic’s side have not lost at home in the competition in 10 matches and the fans will channel their famous atmosphere when Kylian Mbappe and Co walk out onto the pitch.
Their league form has not been as impressive as their ventures in Europe this season, but they know what it takes to win the Champions League having done so in 1997.
🗣️ L.Enrique: “It’s a very special match in a unique stadium in Europe. We want to offer our supporters a @ChampionsLeague final!”
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 30, 2024
They made the final in 2013 but were beaten by rivals Bayern Munich at Wembley Stadium.
Enrique added: “When you come to stadiums like this one it’s a pleasure.
“You have to enjoy where you are and where you are as footballers as well.
“We’ll experience it all tomorrow. We are ready and prepared to play two great games and want to win both of them.”
