Luis Enrique plays down PSG's early Champions League lead after Villarreal rout

Luis Enrique says Paris Saint-Germain's position at the top of the Champions League league phase carries little significance, with the club's priority being to retain the trophy for a third successive year. The French champions strengthened their position with a 6-0 victory away to Villarreal at La Ceramica in the fourth round of the competition's league phase.

Paris Saint-Germain have scored 20 goals in their opening four matches, but their manager insists neither achievement will matter if they fail to win the final. "There is only going to be one champion in the final in Madrid, and our objective is to win the title there," said the Spanish coach.

"In previous seasons, we won the Champions League without finishing the league phase in the top eight." Luis Enrique was speaking after a commanding performance in which Paris Saint-Germain established a clear advantage against Villarreal. He said the team's attacking approach remained central to its identity, even when matches became difficult.

"In football, I have seen teams score three goals in five minutes. There is no point trying to defend; you have to focus on attacking," he said.

"If we had conceded that number of goals in such a short period, we would have faced the same difficulties as Villarreal."

The manager added, as quoted by the official UEFA website, that his side's approach was based on maintaining its level regardless of the circumstances.

"That is the approach we are trying to follow, and if there is one thing the team has shown, it is its ability to remain consistent and win, regardless of injuries or the stadium in which we play."

Paris Saint-Germain's dominance was also helped by their ability to regain possession close to Villarreal's goal, according to Luis Enrique.

"We were much better because we were fortunate enough to recover the ball near their goal," he said. Despite the heavy defeat, Luis Enrique offered sympathy to Villarreal and praised the Spanish club.

"Villarreal are a team I really like. It is a difficult situation, and I feel sorry for them," he said.

Paris Saint-Germain are listed to play Troyes in Ligue 1 on 07 November 2026.