Luis Enrique makes 'impossible' claim before Liverpool tie in Champions League

Liverpool will take on PSG in Paris tomorrow, with head coach Luis Enrique insisting that the Reds have an equal chance of progressing to the Champions League semi-finals

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique.(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

PSG head coach Luis Enrique says there is no favorite to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League when his side takes on Liverpool this week and next.

Last season, PSG knocked Liverpool out on penalties after a 1-0 win for both teams in the away leg, with Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones missing from the spot. But this term, the Reds have been well below their usual level.

Nonetheless, Enrique is convinced that Liverpool could spring a surprise against his side, and the Spaniard is taking nothing for granted. Publicly, at least, he is insistent that Arne Slot's men have a strong chance of going through.

"It doesn't matter who the favorites are, because in this type of match, it's impossible to have a favorite," Enrique said in his pre-match press conference.

"I don't believe we are [favorites]. Last year, everyone said it was Liverpool and we qualified. The first leg last season was a very, very high-level match. I would sign up for the same match but not for the same result.

"We hope to have more of the ball than Liverpool, but we know how difficult it is, because they are a very good team with a very good coach. We are used to playing against English teams, so in that sense it will be no different from last year."

PSG head coach Luis Enrique during a Champions League press conference. (Image: Eddie Keogh - UEFA via Getty Images)

For Liverpool, Hugo Ekitike will line up against one of his old clubs, PSG, and the Frenchman will reunite with several ex-teammates who are still in Paris.

"He's a fantastic guy; I really enjoyed the year with him," Vitinha said. "He has a lot of qualities. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out for him [at Paris].

"But he's turned things around in his favor. We hope he's not feeling at top form tomorrow, but I wish him all the best... except for these two matches.

"This is going to be a very different match from last season [in the round of 16]. We had more chances [in the first leg], but Alisson made a lot of saves.

"There was a bit of frustration at the end, but we told ourselves that by playing like that we could progress, and we did.

"Today, it's a different season with changes in both teams. Even if Liverpool's current form isn't ideal, they're still a great team with great players."

Liverpool.com says: PSG, no matter what Enrique says, will go into the tie very much as the favorite. The Ligue 1 side has had more rest and is full of speed and quality in the final third.

Even the most optimistic Liverpool fans are expecting a difficult couple of matches. A colossal improvement from the weekend's trip to Manchester City is required for the Reds to stand a chance.