“If we get Chelsea, we’ll have a few things to work on” admits PSG boss ahead of UCL draw

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has acknowledged that a Champions League round-of-16 tie against Chelsea would require immediate attention on the training ground, less than 24 hours before Friday’s draw in Nyon.

Speaking to Movistar after PSG secured their place in the knockout phase, the Spanish coach referenced the clubs’ most recent meeting, a one-sided 2025 summer clash that ended with Chelsea lifting the Club World Cup trophy. That comfortable victory for the Londoners remains fresh in Enrique’s mind as he contemplates the possibilities of Monday’s draw.

“They are two incredible teams,” Enrique said when asked about facing either his former employers Barcelona or the Premier League side. “Since it doesn’t depend on me, I’ll adapt to whatever comes. Barca is very special to me and is already becoming a classic for me. Like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Barcelona is a unique city and the club is special. And if we get Chelsea, we’ll have a few things to work on.”

The draw, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, leaves PSG with a 50-50 chance of meeting Chelsea, who can themselves be paired only with the Parisians or Newcastle United. Both potential opponents represent a step up in class for the Blues, who are braced for a stern examination should they travel to the French capital next spring.

Enrique, however, insists his squad will not be overawed. PSG navigated a demanding league-phase schedule that the coach believes has hardened his players for whatever awaits. “There’s one team in the Champions League that played against the toughest group: it’s us,” he stated. “We’re used to playing against any team. Of course, we want to improve, but we faced a very high-level opponent. Chelsea or Barca would be tough, but if there’s one team that’s ready, it’s us.”

Injuries have complicated PSG’s campaign—Enrique revealed he has rarely fielded a fully fit squad this season—yet he refuses to use that as mitigation. “That’s not an excuse,” he said. “There are three months of competition left, and we have the same mentality to go out and win.”

With the path to European glory now narrowed to a best-of-two knockout format, PSG’s potential showdown with Chelsea looms as an early flashpoint. Enrique’s message was clear: should the balls align, his staff will waste no time addressing the scars left by that chastening Club World Cup defeat.