PSG Vs Aston Villa: Luis Enrique Denies Consideration As Favorite

JAKARTA - Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique declined to admit that his team was more favorite ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa on Thursday, April 10, 2025, early morning WIB.

"Against Liverpool (in the round of 16) the betting bookies said we had no chance. In football, there are no favorites," Luis Enrique told reporters on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, local time.

"There are eight teams that enter the quarter-finals because they deserve it. We have to do what we have to do and we deserve to win on the pitch," he said again.

PSG striker, Desire Doue, also agrees with his coach.

"If Aston Villa are here, that means they deserve it. I don't think talking about favorites is a good thing. Aston Villa is a very good team with good players," said the 19-year-old.

Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, who was once PSG boss from 2016 to 2018, will return to the Parc des Princes.

Enrique also respects his compatriot.

"He's a great coach. Aston Villa is a great team. They have grown in the last two years thanks to Unai Emery."

"Aston Villa is a team similar to us, with many versatile players. It's hard to know who will play, especially after the winter transfer window where they have strengthened themselves well. It will be an open and difficult match for both teams," Luis Enrique said.

The Spaniard believes his players will not lose focus three days after securing their 13th Ligue 1 title.

"I think we will continue to see a great version of PSG. We will continue to play in the same way, with the same intensity or even more," said Enrique.

Meanwhile, PSG captain Marquinhos will miss the match against Aston Villa due to suspension.

Even so, Enrique considered it not a big problem. He emphasized that PSG has a qualified depth to replace the defender.

"It's not a big deal and it's the strength of our team. Whoever the players are absent, the team is here," said Enrique.

PSG will host Aston Villa at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Thursday, April 10, 2025, early morning WIB. The second leg will be played at Villa Park next week.