Luis Enrique: I am a Barcelona supporter, but I coach Paris Saint‑Germain

Paris Saint‑Germain host Barcelona at the Parc des Princes tomorrow in what both managers and fans expect to be one of the standout matches of this Champions League round. Kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 on October 20, 2026, and PSG arrive determined to take the three points on home soil.

Luis Enrique before the match

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on October 19, 2026, PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged his long personal ties to Barcelona while stressing his current professional allegiance to Paris Saint‑Germain.

“I am focused on reality. I am a member of Barça. I was a player and coach at the club for six years, three in the first team and three in the second. My wife and children are Catalan. I have a very strong connection with Barcelona. But I am now the coach of PSG. I watch every Barcelona game as a supporter, not as a coach. By chance, every year we face Barça. At first it was hard for me to accept that. Now I am used to playing against an excellent, unique team that has many quality players, does not resort to roughness and has values I like. In my opinion, this is one of the teams closest to the current PSG. After everything I have said so far, I would really like us to win tomorrow. For me it is an additional motivation to face the club where I felt most important. As a Parisian, I hope we will win tomorrow,” Luis Enrique said.

Enrique described Barcelona as a side he respects deeply and admitted that facing them always carries an emotional charge because of his past there. At the same time he emphasised that his priorities belong to PSG and their Champions League ambitions.

The coach’s remarks came ahead of a fixture that pits two of Europe’s top squads against each other, a meeting the French capital hopes will end in victory for the home team. Earlier reports at the stadium noted that Mbappé was recently honoured with the "Golden Onez" award.

Photo: press material from the event