Luis Enrique preferred cycling around Paris rather than following
According to Championat.
Why this matters
Luis Enrique's choice not to follow the Champions League draw and opt to cycle through Paris reflects a relaxed but also strategic approach to the pressure that the competition imposes. PSG, which has already won the Champions League in the last two seasons, now faces strong opponents such as Barcelona and Manchester City, which could be a significant test for the team in the new phase of the competition.
Main conclusions
- Luis Enrique preferred cycling around Paris rather than following.
- Luis Enrique, PSG coach, said he did not plan to watch the draw for the Champions League league stage and opted to take a bike ride around Paris.
- Луис Энрике вместо просмотра жеребьёвки ЛЧ катался на велосипеде по Парижу.
Luis Enrique has revealed a relaxed approach to the Champions League league stage draw. In statements published on Paris Saint-Germain's official website, the Spanish coach admitted that, this time, he did not even plan to accompany the pairing and preferred to go cycling around Paris, certain that, upon returning, he would have all the news about his European rivals.
The coach explained that, in his first years at the club, he watched the draws from his office and, coincidentally or not, PSG repeatedly faced extremely difficult opponents. Between laughs, he stressed that “it can't be worse than last year”, guaranteeing that the idea for this year was to get on the bike and disconnect from the ritual of the draw. The light stance does not hide, however, the ambition with which the defending European champion approaches another continental campaign.
Having defined their rivals for the 2026/27 league phase, Paris Saint‑Germain will face Barcelona, Manchester City, Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan and Como. In the new Champions format, each team faces a wide range of opponents from a single league, spread across different competitive levels, accumulating points towards a global classification that will determine direct access to the knockouts or the qualifying play-offs.
The lot drawn for PSG combines heavyweights and challenges of a different nature. Barcelona and Manchester City aim for duels of enormous technical and media demand, against chronic candidates for final victory. Roma and Aston Villa represent recent projects on the rise in Europe, with coaches and squads capable of creating difficulties for any opponent. Galatasaray and Villarreal add experience and cunning on European nights, while Slovan and Como, less used to this stage, can impose complex journeys and treacherous competitive contexts at a stage in which the regularity of results will be decisive.
The Parisian team, in which Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov plays, arrives at this edition as two-time European champions, after winning the Champions League in the last two seasons, naturally raising the bar of expectations. The management of wear and tear and travel, combined with the depth of the squad, will be decisive in facing a dense calendar and opponents with varied profiles.
Between the coach's serenity and the ambition of the project, PSG enters the league phase with favorite status, but aware that every point will be precious. Luis Enrique's message, tinged with humor and detachment, also reflects confidence in the structure and momentum of the team, prepared for another assault on the crowning glory of European football.
What happens next
With the group stage of the Champions League approaching, PSG will have to prepare to face a variety of playing styles, from the technique of Barcelona to the intensity of Manchester City. Luis Enrique, known for his ability to adapt, should use this diversity of opponents to strengthen the team and maximize its opportunities to advance in the knockout stages.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Luis Enrique during the Champions League draw?
Luis Enrique decided not to follow the draw for the league stage of the Champions League and preferred to cycle around Paris.
Who confirmed Luis Enrique's decision about the draw?
Luis Enrique revealed his decision in statements reproduced by the official Paris Saint-Germain website.
Why did Luis Enrique choose not to watch the draw now?
He mentioned that in his first years at the club he watched the draws and PSG faced difficult opponents, so he decided to change the approach and pedal rather than follow the ritual.
What are the changes to the Cam League format?
pawns?
In the new format, each team faces a wide range of opponents from a single league, spread across different competitive levels, accumulating points towards a global ranking.
Who are PSG's rivals in the 2026/27 league phase?
PSG will face Barcelona, Manchester City, Roma, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Villarreal, Slovan and Como.