Winning Champions League again will be ‘easier’ for PSG - Luis Enrique

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique believes the club’s long-awaited Champions League breakthrough last season has transformed the mindset of his squad, insisting it will be “easier” to win the competition again this year.

The Spaniard, who guided PSG to their first-ever European crown, argued that lifting the initial trophy was the hardest challenge, and that his players now approach the competition with newfound confidence.

“The first title is always difficult because the players don’t think they’re capable of winning it. But we showed the way,” Enrique told reporters ahead of PSG’s group-stage opener against Atalanta.

“Now the whole of PSG and especially our younger players want to win because they know they’re capable. For me, it’s harder to win the first than the second or third,” he added.

The coach underlined the club’s ambition, making clear that back-to-back European titles are the new standard.

“Our goal, along with the club, the city and our fans, is to make history again and win a second consecutive Champions League. We have to be ambitious.”

PSG’s pursuit of the Champions League had stretched for over a decade, with repeated heartbreaks despite domestic dominance. That changed last season, when the Parisians powered past Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal before dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

Even without Kylian Mbappé, who departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer, PSG’s squad proved more balanced. Dembele’s goals, Donnarumma’s saves, Hakimi’s dynamism, and Vitinha’s creativity filled the void, ensuring the Parisians enjoyed their most successful season in history.

Luis Enrique believes that foundation will only strengthen the squad’s resolve moving forward.

PSG open their Champions League defence this week against Serie A side Atalanta, before a fiery Ligue 1 encounter with rivals Marseille at the weekend.