Luis Enrique declares no UCL favorites as PSG host Liverpool

PSG manager Luis Enrique has stated that no team is a favorite to win the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage, despite his side being the defending champions. Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's first leg against Liverpool at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Enrique pointed to last season's outcome as evidence: 'Last year Liverpool were the favourites, and who won? Paris Saint-Germain.' He added, 'There are no favorites at this stage. We're not favorites.' The Spanish coach, formerly of Barcelona, emphasized that PSG are not entering the match with favorite status despite holding the trophy.

The match marks a high-stakes encounter between two European giants. PSG lifted the trophy last year after defeating Real Madrid in the final, while Liverpool brings six-time champion pedigree to the tie. Enrique's comments appear aimed at managing expectations and deflecting pressure, framing the matchup as an even contest rather than a clash between holder and former champion.

For Nigerian football fans following the UCL, Enrique's stance raises questions about how to interpret such press conference rhetoric. Is this genuine humility reflecting the tournament's parity, or tactical mind games to unsettle opponents? With knockout football often decided by fine margins, does declaring 'no favorites' actually influence how teams approach the match? The first leg in Paris may reveal whether Enrique's words signal a strategic mindset or standard pre-match talk.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/07/ucl-luis-enrique-speaks-on-favourites-to-win-trophy-this-year/