Luis Enrique sure PSG can step up ahead of Chelsea encounter

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique stated on Tuesday that his team has "complete confidence" in their ability to regain the winning form from their Champions League triumph last season, as they gear up to take on Chelsea in the round of 16.

"We have complete confidence. This is the crucial phase of the season and we must manage the increased intensity," the Spanish coach remarked to journalists at PSG's training facility, responding to queries about whether his squad could match their performance from the previous year.

PSG will host Chelsea at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday for the opening match of their last-16 matchup, marking the first clash between the teams since the English side's 3-0 win in July's Club World Cup final.

That defeat stood as the sole setback in an outstanding previous season for PSG, during which the club backed by Qatar secured their inaugural Champions League title.

However, the toll of that grueling campaign lingers, with several players facing challenges in regaining peak form and fitness for the 2025/26 season.

PSG suffered a 3-1 defeat to Monaco at home last weekend, leaving them only one point ahead of Lens in the Ligue 1 standings.

They ended up in 11th place during the Champions League league stage, having secured just one victory in their final five outings, before narrowly advancing past Monaco in the playoff stage.

Nevertheless, Luis Enrique anticipates that facing Chelsea will inspire his players to shine, given that they overcame three English Premier League teams en route to last season's final.

"Every English club is outstanding and elite, and we are familiar with Chelsea from our summer encounter," he noted.

"They have a new manager and some fresh faces since then, but we understand the challenges of these fixtures and we aim to prepare thoroughly."

The ex-Barcelona manager, who commended Chelsea's Liam Rosenior for his "engaging and offensive" approach during 18 months at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, added that defending the Champions League crown feels less intimidating than claiming it initially.

"I believe the initial victory was tougher, though repeating it is no simple task. We all realise we can achieve it again and that is our goal."