Luis Enrique: PSG ‘far from the level’ to turn Champions League fortunes around

Luis Enrique believes that despite Paris Saint-Germain's unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season, it is not enough to turn their fortunes around in the Champions League.

PSG recorded a 3-0 win over Toulouse on Friday to maintain their six-point lead over Monaco at the top of the standings.

The Parisiens have 32 points from their twelve league matches. Only under Thomas Tuchel have they had more in the last seventy years (36 in 2018/19).

PSG have also scored a whopping 36 goals in the division, scoring three or more times in nine of their 12 games this season, the same number as in the last 24 of last season.

However, that form did not materialize in the Champions League. Luis Enrique's side are 25th in the new 36-team competition, having picked up four points from their four games.

And with an intimidating trip to the Allianz Arena to take on Bayern Munich next, the PSG boss said his side's good performances in the league won't be enough to win the competition.

“I think that in Ligue 1 we have figures that are in line with our quality and in the Champions League we are not yet at our level. That does not make sense,” said Luis Enrique.

'It is clear that we need to improve our effectiveness, there is no doubt about that.

“A competition like the Champions League is different, is short, has fewer matches, does not reward regularity, but rewards being good at the right times.

“However, I think it is important to go into a Champions League match having won. It is not that it is decisive, but it is more positive,” the coach added.

goals and points to start the weekend!#PSGTFC I @Ligue1_ENG pic.twitter.com/FXCJXd1v2e

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 22, 2024

Friday's victory was sealed by goals from Joao Neves, Beraldo and Vitinha to win the Ligue 1 for the sixth time in a row at the Parc des Princes.

Neves has now been involved in eight league goals this season (two goals, six assists) and has scored just five goals in 50 appearances for Benfica.

The Portugal international also won more matches (nine) than any other PSG player against Toulouse, with Luis Enrique heaping praise on the 20-year-old.

“Joao played the first half as a pivot, which is his usual position. In the second half we made more use of his ability to bring the ball out from the back in a more delayed position. I think he was very good “Luis said to Enrique.

“Obviously when a midfielder scores a goal and that's something we push for, it seems to bring his game out more. I'm more satisfied. In the second half I liked him.”