Luis Enrique admitted it would be “contradictory” for Paris Saint-Germain to aim for a top eight finish in the Champions League as he wants his team to play more games.
Last season, PSG were in danger of missing the play-offs, but finished 15th in the 36-team standings and went on to win the league for the first time.
This season they sit in third place with two games remaining, although only two points separate them from ninth place, with the top of the table incredibly crowded as teams battle to progress straight to the round of 16.
PSG will play fewer games than last season, regardless of where they finish, after a shock 1-0 defeat to Paris FC in the last 32 of the Coupe de France last week.
And Luis Enrique believes the lighter schedule that comes with reaching the top eight could hinder his team.
“To be honest, I think it is important for the team’s confidence to win and get the three points, but I am not sure if it is the best because if we qualify in the top eight, we will not play in the play-offs,” Luis Enrique said on Tuesday ahead of the meeting with Sporting CP.
“And we will already miss the Coupe de France matches. But it is certain that the goal is to win and finish in the top eight, even if I am not sure that is the best. It is contradictory.”
PSG meet Sporting for the first time in Europe, with the Parisiens winning just one of their eight previous away games against Portuguese teams in major European competitions (D2 L5).
From Paris to Lisbon! #UCL pic.twitter.com/YqIz3wmAYP
— Paris Saint Germain (@PSG_English) January 19, 2026
And PSG haven’t lost a Champions League match against a team from outside one of Europe’s big five leagues since December 2013 in a 2-1 defeat at Benfica – they are unbeaten in 32 such games since (W26 D6).
Luis Enrique’s side drew their last European match 0-0 against Athletic Club, but they come into this match on the back of a resounding 3-0 win over Lille in Ligue 1.
“There is no better competition for a player or for the team,” said Luis Enrique.
“In terms of performance, it is in the same line as last season, when we dominated the matches but did not win due to a lack of efficiency.
“We are in the crucial part of the season. We are getting injured players back. It is the best time of the season; we have to prepare well and be focused. It is an important moment in the Champions League.”
“Tuesday’s match will be played in an exceptional stadium against a tough team like Sporting, a team with quality players who like to have the ball.
“It will be tight and difficult, perhaps similar to the Athletic match. We knew we had a difficult schedule. We need the three points to secure qualification for the round of 16.”
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