Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has called for improvement from his side despite their dramatic progression to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League following a tense clash with AS Monaco.
PSG advanced 5-4 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in the second leg of their all-French knockout play-off at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, but Enrique admitted his team still has work to do.
“We can and want to improve,” Enrique said after the match. “We knew how difficult it would be, and we had to show resilience.”
Monaco Push PSG to the Brink
Holding a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, PSG were tested early as Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche struck to level the tie on aggregate.
The game turned after Monaco’s Mamadou Coulibaly was sent off early in the second half, allowing PSG to respond through Marquinhos before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave the hosts the lead on the night.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Monaco refused to back down, equalising through Jordan Teze, while Wout Faes missed a late chance that could have forced extra time.
Tough Tests Ahead
PSG will now face either FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC in the round of 16, with the draw set to be confirmed on Friday.
Enrique remained confident despite the looming challenge: “Chelsea or Barcelona — not bad. If any team is ready, it is us.”
Title Defence Still Alive
The French champions, who currently lead Ligue 1, are aiming to retain the Champions League title they won for the first time last season after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
However, their recent performances suggest they are yet to hit the same dominant form. Enrique acknowledged the gap but insisted consistency is key.
“We have had injuries, but that is not an excuse. The objective is to win every competition,” he said.
PSG will also be hoping for a return to full fitness for Ousmane Dembélé, whose reduced impact this season has been felt despite his standout performances last year.
Meanwhile, Monaco exit the competition at the play-off stage for the second consecutive season and will now shift focus to securing European qualification for next term.
