Luis Enrique says Villarreal deserved more from Champions League campaign

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique believes Villarreal should have collected more points in the Champions League and expects a demanding match against the Spanish side on 03 November 2026.

Villarreal impressed against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, while also recording a win over Napoli, and Enrique said their performances had not always been reflected in their results. PSG approach the game after victories over Manchester City and Barcelona and a run of 10 consecutive wins, but the manager warned his players that past form would count for nothing.

“If you think our recent results will help you win tomorrow, you are making a big mistake,” Enrique said. “We need to show ambition, work hard and run a lot against a good team like Villarreal. They have had a very difficult start against extremely strong opponents, and we must be ready from the first minute.”

Asked about his recent team changes, Enrique said competitions provided opportunities to assess players in different situations and learn more about them. He added: “We are always open to giving young players who have this quality a chance.”

Enrique said the most satisfying aspect of his time at Paris Saint-Germain had been the club’s growing ambition.

“The biggest positive is becoming more ambitious every day,” he said. “Everyone at the club is constantly increasing their ambitions. That is the most important and positive thing for me. The club is different, and that makes me feel very comfortable.”

Despite recent injuries and PSG’s position at the top of the table, Enrique said he would not take extra precautions. Important points were at stake, he said, and his focus was on producing a complete performance against a side whose defensive pressure and back line would be difficult to overcome.

“This is the type of match I like,” he added.

Enrique also played down the significance of PSG’s winning run. “You are not a bad coach when you lose, and you are not a genius when you win 10 matches in a row,” he said. “We focus only on what is ahead. Our current solidity comes from a big club that supports me, outstanding players and an excellent team spirit.”

On defender Zabarnyi, Enrique said most of his players were performing well. He described the young defender as experienced, physically confident and capable of helping build play, while acknowledging that a first season at a new club can be difficult. “He is improving and will become a more important player for the team,” he said.

Enrique praised Villarreal manager Inigo Perez, saying he was optimistic, did not complain and sought solutions through possession-based football. Villarreal reached a European final last season, and Enrique said their decision to appoint Perez had been correct.

“They deserved more against Liverpool, but that is football,” he said. “They beat Napoli and were competitive against Borussia Dortmund. They will force us to produce our best.”

Villarreal’s defeat by Espanyol, Enrique added, was part of the learning process of a new project. He expects them to improve, although he hopes they are not at their best against PSG. Perez, he said, had the character and principles needed to become a top coach.

“Do not lose your identity because of defeat,” Enrique said. “He has a great coaching career ahead of him.”