Paris St Germain boss Luis Enrique says there is “no other option” than victory against French rivals Brest in their Champions League play-off tie.
Enrique’s side, who finished 15th in the revamped group table, three places above Brest, will be overwhelming favourites when the two sides face off in the first leg on Tuesday.
PSG have beaten Les Pirates twice in Ligue 1 this season, with their 5-2 win at Stade Francis-Le Ble coming less than two weeks ago.
Enrique said: “Of course we are favourites against Brest, but football is full of surprises. It doesn’t always reward the team who plays best.
🎙️ Luis Enrique: “The matches against Brest are always difficult. They are a complex team to play against.” #SB29PSG I @ChampionsLeague https://t.co/bID0fxAUiD pic.twitter.com/DmLNtuqOio
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 10, 2025
“Every match we’ve played against Brest home and away is difficult. They are good defensively and offensively, and at winning second balls.
“However, the Champions League is an important competition for us. We have to win, there’s no other option. That’s the focus.”
It will be just the second time two French clubs have met in the Champions League’s knock-out rounds, while Brest’s home leg on Tuesday must be played at Guincamp’s Stade de Roudourou as their own ground does not meet UEFA requirements.
Enrique said PSG’s 5-2 win against Eric Roy’s side earlier this month flattered the French champions.
He added: “I think it was 2-2 in the 81st or 82nd minute. Then we scored three goals and the result may have been more than we deserved. We are aware how difficult it will be.
The knockout phase begins! 👊#UCL pic.twitter.com/D6xPu6Ss6G
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 10, 2025
“But we can improve in every sector of the game and especially our defence. We always had the feeling that we could score, but they can score quickly too. It’s easy for Brest to create danger.”
PSG have hit top form in recent weeks. They sit 10 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after Friday’s impressive 4-1 home win against top-four challengers Monaco.
They also won their final two Champions League group games 4-2 and 4-1 against Manchester City and Stuttgart respectively.
Enrique will be without midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery and forward Ibrahim Mbaye (both ankle), but otherwise the Spaniard has a full-strength squad to choose from.
Brest midfielder Jonas Martin misses out due to a muscle tear and winger Romain Del Castillo (knee) is doubtful.
