Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has expressed strong confidence that his side can rediscover the form that propelled them to Champions League glory last season as they prepare to face Chelsea in the round of 16.
Speaking on Tuesday at PSG’s training ground ahead of the crucial encounter, the Spanish manager insisted the team remains confident despite a mixed run of results this season.
“We have no doubts whatsoever. We are going into the best part of the season and we need to be able to handle the step up,” Luis Enrique told reporters.
PSG will host Chelsea at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday in the first leg of their last-16 tie, marking their first meeting since the English club defeated the French champions 3–0 in the Club World Cup final last July.
That loss was the only setback in an otherwise historic campaign for PSG, which saw the Qatar-backed side win the Champions League for the first time in its history.
However, the demanding schedule of that breakthrough season has taken its toll, with several players battling inconsistent form and fitness during the 2025/26 campaign.
The Parisians suffered a 3–1 home defeat to Monaco last weekend, leaving them just one point ahead of Lens at the top of Ligue 1.
Their Champions League journey has also been less dominant this season. PSG finished 11th in the league phase after winning only one of their last five matches before narrowly advancing past Monaco in the play-off round.
Despite those struggles, Luis Enrique believes the clash with Chelsea could help his team rediscover its rhythm.
“All the English teams are exceptional, top-class sides, and Chelsea we know very well from having played against them last summer,” he said.
“They have changed coach since then and some players too, but we know how difficult these games are and we will try to be ready.”
The former Barcelona manager also praised Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior, highlighting the attacking philosophy he developed during his 18-month spell in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg.
Luis Enrique added that defending the Champions League title could be slightly less daunting than winning it for the first time.
“I think the first time was harder but the second time is not easy — We all know we can win the second one and that is what we will try to do.”
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