'Everyone said' - Luis Enrique shuts down PSG Champions League theory with Liverpool point

Luis Enrique has been speaking ahead of PSG's Champions League showdown with Aston Villa

Luis Enrique has shut down the suggestion that Paris Saint-Germain are the overriding favourites to beat Aston Villa by claiming no one gave his side a chance against Liverpool. PSG are heavy favourites to move past Villa as they chase an elusive first Champions League title.

The Ligue 1 title winners moved into the final eight of Europe’s premier club competition after beating Liverpool on penalties in the last round. Enrique’s side were beaten 1-0 in the first-leg at the Parc des Princes, but claimed an historic win at Anfield to set up a showdown with Unai Emery’s side.

However, going into the last-16 tie, Liverpool were not only the big favourites to come out on top in the tie, but also the favourites to win the whole competition. And Enrique believes the result is proof that there are no walkovers in football.

He said: “Aston Villa plays very good football. We're going to see two teams with their own characteristics. I hope we see an open and complex match.

“Aston Villa is capable of coming out from the back, capable of managing space well, and they have the ability to attack with second-row players.

“This will require excellent defensive skills and great defensive efficiency from us. It doesn't matter if a player is higher or lower; it doesn't worry me.

“I would say this team is similar to ours in that they have a lot of versatile players. It's difficult to know who will play, especially since they strengthened so much this winter.

“They have different playing styles. It's a very open and difficult double header for both teams.

“I think it's 50-50. Against Liverpool, everyone said we had no chance. There are two teams that can move up to the next level. We'll have to do what it takes to qualify.”