Luis Enrique shrugs off Newcastle setback as PSG embrace Champions League play-offs

By SABC Sport
29th January 2026

Luis Enrique has insisted Paris Saint-Germain were better prepared than anyone for the Champions League play-offs after the holders were forced to take the "long route" following a demanding league phase campaign.

PSG finished 11th in the standings with 14 points after a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at the Parc des Princes, missing out on automatic qualification for the last 16.

However, Luis Enrique rejected any suggestion of failure, pointing to the strength of the opponents his side faced.

"If any team is ready for the play-offs and for whoever we have to play, it is us," the PSG coach said. "When you look at the teams we have played, it is catastrophic. We need to improve, I accept that, but the level has been very high."

Only one of PSG's eight league-phase opponents came from outside Europe's top four leagues, with Sporting the lone exception. That tough schedule contrasted sharply with other sides who faced less demanding draws.

Against Newcastle, Ousmane Dembele missed an early chance to put PSG ahead when his penalty was saved. Vitinha then opened the scoring in the seventh minute, before Joe Willock equalised in first-half stoppage time. PSG also suffered an injury blow as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was forced off early with an ankle problem.

"It was hard because they are a very strong team physically," Luis Enrique said. "We knew how difficult it would be, but I thought we deserved to win."

PSG had begun the campaign with three straight wins but ended with just one victory in their final five matches. Still, Luis Enrique remained confident, reminding critics that PSG also came through the play-offs last season on their way to lifting the trophy.

"We knew this was a possibility," he added. "We will have to take the long route, but I don't think anyone else can be considered favourites more than us."

PSG and Newcastle will learn their play-off opponents on Friday, with Monaco and Qarabag the possible pairings. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said the result would give his side belief, calling it "the real acid test" against the reigning champions.