Luis Enrique stunned after PSG’s 5-4 thriller vs Bayern: “We deserved to win, draw and lose”

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique spoke to reporters after his team’s unforgettable 5-4 win over Bayern Munich at Parc des Princes, a Champions League semifinal first-leg clash that delivered nonstop drama from start to finish.

The Spanish manager said both teams played at an extraordinary level and added that, based on the chances created, PSG could have just as easily won, drawn, or lost.

‘A game between two incredible teams’

“It was a match between two teams at an incredible level,” Luis Enrique said. “Today we showed the kind of soccer we love. I can say I am very tired. This match had everything.”

He added that Bayern started stronger, creating early chances and taking the lead, but PSG gradually turned things around.

“They started better than us. They scored and created many chances. Then we changed the game. In the second half, we started better than them. We scored three goals in an electric stadium. Then we conceded two.”

“It was a match with different situations. You have to congratulate both teams.”

Looking ahead to “similar” second leg

When asked about the return leg in Germany, Luis Enrique admitted there is plenty to improve but expects a similar kind of game.

“I am tired. We have to analyze the first leg. Of course there are things we can improve. When you face a team with this level of individual and collective quality… we defended better and still conceded four goals. That is different from what we are used to.”

“Rest and recovery are important. The game in Germany will be similar to today.”

Luis Enrique: ‘We deserved everything’

Luis Enrique reflected on the chaotic nature of the match and the emotional swings throughout the night.

“The rhythm of this game was very different from normal,” he said. “When you play at this intensity… the substitutes helped a lot. Fabián (Ruiz) came in very well, Mayulu also, Barcola too.”

“It is important for us to enjoy the players coming off the bench. The intensity in every moment was exceptional. And we won the game. We are happy. But after 5-2, you can end up with a better result. We deserved to win, we deserved to draw, and we deserved to lose.”

What PSG need in Munich

Asked about what his team will need in the second leg, Luis Enrique was direct.

“We need at least three goals to win this tie. That was the question I asked my staff before the match.”

“In a week we go to Munich, a stadium we like because we won our first Champions League there. We will also play at home, even though they will be in their stadium.”

Injury update on Achraf Hakimi

On Achraf Hakimi’s potential injury, the PSG coach said there was no update yet.

“I don’t know anything yet. Tomorrow we will see his condition.”

CBS Sports interview: ‘A celebration of soccer’

Speaking later to CBS Sports, Luis Enrique expanded on his thoughts, insisting the match was a spectacle rather than a source of frustration.

“You cannot be angry with your players,” he said. “Even if you concede four, five, or six… both teams showed what we are, what we feel, and what we want to express. It was a celebration.”

“Everyone is exhausted but also very happy because we beat one of the best, if not the best, team in Europe this season.”

Penalties and game flow

On controversial moments and penalties, he downplayed the focus.

“I don’t remember the penalties. I try not to analyze that. The referees try to do their job. There were moments for both teams.”

“They started better and we suffered. In the second half we improved and came back. In the end, we are happy because we won the match.”

On PSG’s late-game caution

Finally, Luis Enrique reflected on whether PSG should have managed their lead better after going 5-2 up.

“I need to analyze the match calmly after resting,” he said. “When you are 5-2 up, even if you do not want to, you tend to defend a bit deeper. That is the problem against this team. You cannot sit too deep because it becomes easy for them to break through and create chances.”

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