Luis Enrique explains why he’d rather face Chelsea in the Champions League last 16

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has openly admitted he would prefer to meet Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16, arguing that the Premier League side represent a more favourable draw than a resurgent Barcelona.

Speaking ahead of the decisive second legs that will finalise the last-16 lineup, Enrique said: “I’ve been asked whether I’d rather face FC Barcelona or Chelsea F.C.… and honestly, I think Chelsea would be the better option for us right now. Barcelona are playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of rhythm. In the Champions League, you have to be smart. If I can choose, I’d choose Chelsea.”

Chelsea booked their place in the knockout phase after Joao Pedro struck twice against Napoli to secure a top-eight finish, and they now await Friday’s draw scheduled for 27 February. Potential opponents include Newcastle United, PSG, Monaco and Qarabag, although Newcastle already lead 6-1 and PSG hold a 3-2 advantage over Monaco ahead of their respective second legs.

Enrique’s eagerness to meet the Blues is coloured by recent history. The clubs last clashed in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory. Cole Pedro opened the scoring before Joao Pedro’s brace sealed the result before the interval. Paris finished with ten men, and Enrique later faced an investigation following a post-match altercation involving Pedro.

Under new head coach Liam Rosenior, Chelsea are rebuilding, yet that heavy defeat in June remains fresh in Enrique’s mind. By targeting a Champions League rematch, the Spanish coach appears intent on gaining a measure of revenge while also avoiding the in-form threat posed by Barcelona.