Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique believes it will be “easier” for his team to win the Champions League again following their shocking triumph over an experienced Inter Milan side in last season’s final.
Les Parisiens open their Champions League defence on Wednesday against Atalanta, aiming to continue the tradition of reigning champions beginning the new campaign strongly.
Ahead of the clash, Enrique was quizzed on whether his side had shown any drop-off since lifting Europe’s biggest prize.
“Are we playing a little less well? I disagree,” he said. “It’s always about analysing what we’re doing.
“Last year, it was a complicated time because of our lack of efficiency in attack. But that’s the normal process of a team that wants to improve. We have more confidence than last year at this point in the Champions League.”
“The first title is always difficult because the players don’t think they are capable of winning it. But we showed the way. Now, all of PSG and the young players want to win because they know they are capable of it. For me, it’s more difficult to win the first than the second or third.”
Captain Marquinhos agrees there is more to come, saying: “Once you’ve tasted it, you don’t want to experience defeat. It’s good to have this ambition and that’s what allows us to move forward.
“We have a very young team, with 19-year-old and 20-year-old players who can’t just win one Champions League. Even me, at 31 years old. We have a very young team, with 19-year-old and 20-year-old players who can’t just win one Champions League. Even me, at 31 years old.”
PSG head into the tie against Atalanta in fine form, having started Ligue 1 with four straight wins.
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