Luis Enrique: Barcelona ‘deserved’ final, but facing them would’ve been ‘the worst’

In a recent post-match interview, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique candidly expressed his relief at not having to face his former club, FC Barcelona, in the upcoming UEFA Champions League final. Despite his admiration for his former team's recent performances, Enrique admitted that meeting Barcelona in the final would have been 'the worst' scenario for him and his squad.

Barcelona's Journey Cut Short

FC Barcelona's journey in this season's Champions League came to an abrupt end after a tightly contested semifinal against Manchester City. The Catalan giants, who have shown remarkable form under Xavi Hernandez, were narrowly defeated with an aggregate score of 3-2, a result that left many fans and analysts believing they were deserving of a place in the final.

Enrique, who led Barcelona to a treble in 2015, shared his thoughts on their performances. 'Barcelona played some fantastic football this season. They were exceptional in the group stages and showed great resilience in the knockout rounds. It's unfortunate they didn't make it to the final, as I believe they deserved it.'

The Prospect of Facing Barcelona

When asked about the prospect of facing Barcelona in the final, Enrique didn't mince words. 'Facing Barcelona would have been the worst for us. Their style of play, the quality they possess, and the emotional ties I have with the club make them a formidable opponent.'

Enrique's PSG side will now prepare to face Manchester City in the final, a matchup that promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe's elite clubs. As the football world eagerly anticipates the showdown, the narrative of what could have been continues to linger.

Looking Ahead

The UEFA Champions League final is set to take place on May 28, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. With both PSG and Manchester City in excellent form, fans are expecting a spectacle. Enrique's history with Barcelona adds an intriguing subplot to the final, even if his former club won't be on the pitch.

Regardless of the outcome, Enrique's acknowledgment of Barcelona's deserving campaign adds another layer to his storied relationship with the club, further endearing him to fans of both PSG and Barcelona.

As the countdown to the final begins, the football community is left to ponder what might have been, while eagerly awaiting what promises to be an unforgettable match.