The manager of Paris St. Germain, Luis Enrique, stated on Monday that although PSV Eindhoven, a Dutch team, has not yet won in the Champions League this season, their domestic record makes them a formidable foe.
PSV drew at home against Sporting and lost their initial Champions League match at Juventus, but they have won all nine league games this season, scoring 29 goals, in an attempt to win the Eredivisie.
“I think that with the expanded Champions League format there are lots of teams with very high levels,” Luis Enrique told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s home game against PSV.
“Last season, they were the best team in their country, and they have had an incredible start to the season when you look at the statistics.”
The PSG coach expects a similar challenge to their most recent game, a 4-2 win over Strasbourg on Saturday to put them top of the Ligue 1 standings.
“They are a top level team without doubt. I think it will be similar to the game against Strasbourg,” he said.
“It will be tough for us because of how they play. They play far away from their goal. They press well and score goals and the two goals they scored were from high pressing.
“The Dutch teams play very good football and PSV know what to do with the ball.”
The French team plays Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid after PSV, but Luis Enrique is only considering the Dutch champions.
“The next game is always the most important one because that is the one you can control,” the Spaniard said.
“With the new format of the Champions League every home game is even more important. That also goes for PSV.”
PSG were defeated by Arsenal 2-0 after winning 1-0 against Girona in their first match, but the boss is happy with his team’s entire performance.
“I think we played really well against Girona.
” I understand that we didn’t compete in the way that we wanted against Arsenal but I was pleased with what I saw,” Luis Enrique said.
“That goes for the whole season.”
