PSG wary of favourites tag in return match at Villa, says coach Enrique

Paris St Germain cannot afford any complacency as they prepare to visit Aston Villa in the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday, manager Luis Enrique insisted despite his side's two-goal cushion in the tie.

Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes scored in the first leg to earn PSG a 3-1 comeback win and dent Villa's hopes of making it to the semifinals.

Asked if PSG's lead had made them favourites to progress to the competition's final four, Luis Enrique told reporters on Monday: “The road to the Champions League is paved with favourites who have been eliminated along the way.

“Of course, we were better in the first leg and deserved the win, but that story is behind us. Now a second story begins. We'll see who's better, who's going to win.

“We have that advantage but it doesn't fit in with our philosophy of thinking with certainty. We still have this idea of not calculating. If Aston Villa score or win, we have to show in this match that we have the level required to reach the semifinals.”

PSG, who have already won a fourth straight Ligue 1 title and have also reached the French Cup final, are aiming to capture an elusive Champions League title and secure a treble.

Luis Enrique said he was delighted with his side's ability to block out the noise despite their success this season, adding: “As time goes by, the scenarios around us change.

“We've gone from the maximum pessimism we saw at the start of the season to the excessive motivation and joy we're seeing at the moment. The key in these cases is the maturity we're seeing despite the youth of my team.

“The ability to forget everything that's going on and stay focused on the game. Because nothing's done, it's not over yet. It's going to be difficult and we expect to suffer. If we're prepared to suffer, that means we're ready to achieve our objective, which is victory.”

Luis Enrique added that he expected the home supporters to create a daunting atmosphere at Villa Park, but called on his side to embrace the challenge.

“We want to try to solve the problems that Aston Villa are going to present us with,” he added.

“Our objective is to win. For us, it's always about being competitive in a stadium like Villa Park. We like to play at home and away. It's not a problem but a motivation.” 

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says belief, pride and focus will drive his side in Tuesday's second leg at Borussia Dortmund, insisting their long unbeaten run means nothing unless they continue to give their best.

Flick's side, undefeated in 24 games across all competitions, are not taking Dortmund for granted despite carrying a 4-0 advantage into the return at Signal Iduna Park.

“I have a lot of faith in this team. We have gone through a lot of games without losing and we should be proud of that. I can't complain about a single one of my players. This team is incredible,” Flick said on Monday.

“The team should enjoy what they're doing, and we are ready to do it. We want to play well for ourselves and also for the travelling fans who always support us. We won't let our concentration drop.”

While still chasing a treble as La Liga leaders and Copa del Rey finalists, where they play Real Madrid on April 26, Flick insists their sole focus is on the Dortmund match.

“We aren't looking any further. Our idea of football is about always doing our very best. There is a lot of quality in our team and we always take things a game at a time.

“Playing Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals at their stadium is always going to be difficult.” 

Uefa Champions League quarterfinal, second legs

SA times

Tuesday:

• Aston Villa v Paris Saint-Germain (9pm)
• Dortmund v Barcelona (9pm)

Wednesday:

• Real Madrid v Arsenal (9pm)
• Inter Milan v Bayern Munich (9pm)

Reuters