Luis Enrique Describes PSG as Highly Motivated for Liverpool Encounter While Dismissing Favourites Debate

The English title holders, sitting fifth in the Premier League standings, have endured 15 losses in all competitions this term, marking their highest tally in one season since the 18 defeats of the 2014/15 campaign.

PSG, by contrast, top the Ligue 1 table and remain strong contenders to retain their Champions League title.

"Discussing Liverpool is no easy task," Luis Enrique remarked to journalists on Tuesday. "The Liverpool coach Arne Slot offers excellent insights into their form.

"From my perspective, they are both the same side and a changed one. Many are attempting to identify the frontrunners, yet in a fixture like this, such labels hold little weight. Both squads will face a stern challenge.

"Qualifying consistently for this stage annually and facing Liverpool is invariably a boost.

"Our aim is to advance to the semi finals; we recognise the challenge ahead, yet our motivation remains high."

This matchup revisits last terms round of 16 clash, where PSG eliminated Liverpool via a penalty shootout.

"In the previous season, many viewed Liverpool as the stronger side, but PSG progressed," the Spanish coach Luis Enrique noted.

On this occasion, Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike will confront his old team.

The 23 year old French international has had a standout debut campaign in England, netting 17 goals and delivering six assists across 43 outings.

Ekitike had a short stint at PSG from 2023 to 2024, struggling for playing time in a lineup that included Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.

"Since departing, he has excelled in Germany and with Liverpool," Luis Enrique continued. "He is now a full international and has developed significantly. He was quite young during his time here; his growth has been impressive."

Spanish playmaker Fabian Ruiz missed Mondays training session owing to an injury, although French winger Bradley Barcola participated after recovering from an ankle issue.