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Luis Enrique says what PSG will actually use as ‘motivation’ vs Aston Villa and predicts Unai Emery’s tactics
Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain side are in the driving seat ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa as they lead 3-1 off the back of their masterclass in the French capital.
But Villa Park will not be an easy place for PSG to visit and play their flamboyant style of play.
What may give Luis Enrique the confidence about beating Aston Villa is the fact that PSG managed to conquer an in-form Liverpool side at Anfield in the previous round.
Enrique felt PSG deserved to beat Aston Villa in the first leg but the English side will be fired up by the prospect of pulling off a comeback for the ages.
However, Unai Emery is a masterful tactician and in Europe, not many managers can claim to be better than him.
Luis Enrique says PSG will be motivated about playing at Villa Park vs Aston Villa
Luis Enrique also played down the fact that his side are the favourites against Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, via : “The road to the Champions League is lined with favourites who have been knocked out. So, of course we have an advantage after the first leg but that’s in the past now. Tomorrow, we’ll have to prove during the match that we have the level to compete in the semi-finals of this competition.”
However, Luis Enrique did mention that his PSG players will be motivated about playing Aston Villa at a historic stadium like Aston Villa rather than simply buckle under the pressure: “It’s always a pleasure to play in a stadium with so much history.”
“Our players are used to it. For us, it’s by no means a problem, but rather a source of motivation.”
Ahead of the contest, Ousmane Dembele expected Aston Villa to press PSG and take the game to them.
Luis Enrique predicts Unai Emery’s tactics ahead of Champions League clash
Luis Enrique also mentioned that he expects Aston Villa to press PSG high as well and push their defence further up the pitch.
The former Barcelona boss admitted that Villa’s potentially aggressive approach will be a challenge the Parisians will have to figure out while predicting a cracker of a contest.
Luis Enrique said: “Tomorrow, their defence will likely push higher up, with them pressing to win the ball back closer to our goal. Now, we’ll have to see how we can overcome that. What’s certain is that tomorrow’s match will be very intense and interesting.”