Luis Enrique outlines PSG’s mindset ahead of Villa Park clash and predicts Emery’s high press approach

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has underlined the importance of mindset and adaptability as his side heads to Villa Park for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa. PSG carry a 3-1 aggregate lead from the first leg in Paris, but Enrique is under no illusion about the challenge that awaits in Birmingham. The Ligue 1 leaders will face a determined Villa side led by Unai Emery — a tactician with a strong European pedigree and an eye for detail.
“The road to the Champions League is lined with favourites who have been knocked out,” Enrique told the club’s official site. “We may have an advantage after the first leg, but that means nothing unless we prove our worth again on the pitch.”

Villa Park: A Venue That Inspires, Not Intimidates
Despite the pressure of playing away, Enrique said his players are motivated by the opportunity to play in a venue steeped in English football history. “It’s always a pleasure to play in a stadium with so much history. Our players are used to this level, and for us, it’s not a problem — it’s a source of motivation.”
PSG are no strangers to difficult venues. In the previous round, they overcame Liverpool at Anfield, and Enrique believes that experience has prepared his squad for the intense atmosphere they’ll encounter at Villa Park.

Predicting Emery’s Tactical Blueprint
Luis Enrique expects Unai Emery’s side to adopt a more aggressive, pressing style in front of their home crowd. With Villa needing to overturn a two-goal deficit, the Spaniard anticipates a high defensive line and a pressing approach aimed at disrupting PSG’s rhythm.
“Their defence will likely push higher up, pressing to recover the ball near our goal,” Enrique predicted.
“We’ll need to find solutions. One thing is for sure — this will be a very intense and fascinating match.”

PSG vs Aston Villa (First Leg) – Key Match Stats
Below is a breakdown of the main statistics from the first leg between PSG and Aston Villa at the Parc des Princes. The data reflects how both sides approached the game tactically, with PSG dominating possession and clinical in front of goal.

The data tells the story of a first leg where PSG controlled the tempo, dominating possession and creating nearly double the number of chances compared to Aston Villa. Villa showed resilience and managed to score an important away goal, which keeps them in the tie — especially with home advantage still to come.