PSG will face Real Sociedad in the UEFA Champions League RO16. It will be coach Luis Enrique’s first UCL knockout campaign with PSG, while the club is yet to secure the coveted European title. For Enrique, however, the UCL is of less significance, as Kylian Mbappe and Co. head for a Coupe de France knockout fixture against Brest. The Spanish boss said, “It’s a final for us,” referring to the same game against their Brittany-based rivals, Brest.

If PSG were to lose against Sociedad in the first leg, they still have a second leg to overcome the deficit. But in the French Cup, there is no second chance. Hence, it will be do or die for Enrique and Mbappe on Thursday.

Enrique makes clear what ‘occupies his mind’ and it’s not the UCL

In a recent press conference, Luis Enrique was asked if he was worried about the UCL match, which is twelve days away. “In twelve days, we might all be dead. I’m not interested in the Champions League. I’m thinking of the Coupe de France match against Brest, that’s what occupies my mind. It’s a final for us,” said Luis Enrique. The Coupe de France is the premier knockout competition organized by the French Football Federation. Teams from every tier of the French League system, both professional and amateur, participate in this competition.

PSG has been the most successful club at the Coupe de France with 14 titles. However, they have failed to secure the prize or finish as runners-up in the last two years. Therefore, it is paramount for Luis Enrique to concentrate on the clash against Brest. Besides, Enrique has softened his stance on the UCL, perhaps because he earlier assured that the club will be at its best on the European stage.

Luis Enrique has ‘no doubts’ about their confidence in the UCL

Kylian Mbappe’s Parisian side did not have a remarkable run in the UEFA Champions League group stage. They struggled their way to the knockouts after a series of draws, losses, and occasional wins. Nevertheless, Enrique warned rivals to be better equipped to face PSG in the knockouts. “I don’t have any doubts that we will be better. In February I have no doubt that we will have players back from big injuries, we are open to the transfer window and the chance of bringing in players,” he said in a prior press conference.

READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe To Decide His Future In February? PSG Boss Luis Enrique Gives Clarity To Real Madrid Fans

PSG is currently missing its ace center-back Milan Skriniar because of an ankle injury. Furthermore, Lee Kang-in is on South Korean national duty at the ongoing AFC Asian Cup. Therefore, similar to the Coupe de France, the UCL too won’t be a walk in the park for Luis Enrique and Co., regardless of him being less worried.

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