Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has expressed high regard for his upcoming opponent, Unai Emery, the seasoned coach of Aston Villa. As both teams prepare to clash in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Enrique described Emery as “one of the top managers” worldwide. This encounter, set to take place at the illustrious Parc des Princes, marks an exciting chapter in this storied rivalry between two prominent Spanish coaches.
The significance of their upcoming match is compounded by the historical context; both managers previously faced off during an unforgettable moment in the Champions League, known as ‘La Remontada’. This term is coined for Barcelona’s extraordinary comeback from an enormous four-goal deficit against PSG in the 2017 round of 16. Under Enrique’s guidance, Barcelona triumphed with an astonishing 6-1 victory at Camp Nou, advancing 6-5 on aggregate, thanks to a last-minute goal from Sergi Roberto. In stark contrast, Emery found himself at the helm of a PSG team that seemed poised for success after dominating the first leg with a convincing 4-0 win in Paris, driven by Angel Di Maria’s dazzling performance.
Enrique spoke to TNT Sports ahead of their anticipated encounter, reminiscing fondly about that iconic night in 2017. He reflected, “It was a long time ago, but it’s always nice to watch it again,” highlighting the enduring impact of that match on both coaches’ careers. He also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, stating that any scenario is possible and one must always be prepared. In his eyes, ‘La Remontada’ remains a historical moment in Champions League lore, compelling both players and managers alike to cope with the highs and lows of the sport.
His admiration for Emery was palpable as he waxed poetic about his rival’s credentials. “Emery is absolutely one of the top managers on the whole planet,” Enrique praised, citing the many trophies and extensive experience the Spanish coach has amassed throughout his career. He emphasized that both PSG and Aston Villa are aspiring to elevate their status in football, with two accomplished managers leading their respective squads. This sentiment sets the stage for what promises to be a riveting match.
Following an initial patchy start to his tenure, Enrique has found his footing at PSG. The club recently clinched the Ligue 1 title, an impressive feat accomplished with six games remaining in the season, underlining the team’s dominant position in French football. A recent narrow victory over Angers—secured by a solitary goal from Desire Doue—crowned PSG as champions again. While this domestic success is undeniable, Enrique is keenly aware that the Champions League remains the ultimate prize for a club of PSG’s stature.
Nevertheless, the manager did express caution about overly fixating on the Champions League. “Winning is the most important thing,” he stated, underscoring the necessity for a club of PSG’s magnitude to collect trophies regularly. He elaborated that while the Champions League takes center stage, the path to victory is fraught with challenges, as the competition guarantees only a limited number of games. As such, Enrique plans to draw on the momentum from their league successes to propel his team forward in European competition.
As anticipation builds for this Champions League encounter, football enthusiasts can tune in to witness the tactical battle between two renowned managers. The clash between PSG and Aston Villa is streaming live, ensuring fans have exclusive access to every moment of excitement on TNT Sports and discovery+. As the date approaches, the excitement surrounding this match solidifies its potential to be a highlight of the Champions League campaign, reflecting the high stakes and the brilliant strategies inherent in modern football.