PSG - Aston Villa: 2 AM Thursday, 13/8, Hanoi time.

PSG now faces a unique opportunity: to replicate an achievement only Real Madrid has managed – winning the Champions League three consecutive seasons (2016, 2017, 2018). Coach Luis Enrique expressed excitement about this prospect: "Currently, we have a unique challenge, almost unprecedented in European football history: matching Real if we win a third consecutive Champions League. It's incredible! That's another level. Historically, no team other than Real Madrid has won three consecutive titles". The head coach of PSG understands the difficulty of the task, but affirmed the team's motivation is at its peak. "I don't think any team in Europe is more eager than us", he said.

This persistence might be one of the factors that helped Enrique lead PSG to two consecutive Champions League titles. "I am not a genius, and I don't want to be one", the Spanish coach said. "I am always obsessed with improving performance, connecting with the players and the entire team, and meeting the demands ahead". Enrique also placed great faith in the current squad, stating this is the project he has invested most in, but also emphasized that PSG must not rest on past successes. "When someone tells me today: 'You have won many titles', I reply that it doesn't matter. That's the past, history that has passed", the Spanish coach said.

PSG coach Luis Enrique speaks to the media before a training session in preparation for the European Super Cup match against Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on 11/8/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

Before considering further objectives, Enrique will prepare for the season's first major challenge: the European Super Cup. He highly values this trophy and aims to defend it after defeating Tottenham last year. "The Super Cup is a truly important title, and Aston Villa will be a very competitive opponent", Enrique said. However, he does not expect this to be a high-quality match, as the team lacked preparation time after the 2026 World Cup.

PSG had 15 players participate in the World Cup, which concluded over three weeks ago. Among them are midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who won the tournament with the Spanish national team, and five players from the French national team who reached the semifinals. After a long break allowing players and coaching staff to recharge, the new season is approaching. Clubs are entering their final preseason test matches, aiming to finalize their squads and achieve optimal condition before the official competition begins.

Coach Luis Enrique and PSG members celebrate after defeating Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest, Hungary, on 30/5/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

Luis Enrique stated he had several weeks off with his family outside Paris, but admitted it is difficult for a coach to completely disconnect from work. "You always have to stay connected because everyone talks to you about the season and congratulates you on what you've won", he told UEFA. According to him, the congratulations and joy from fans are pleasant, but the nature of the profession prevents coaches from truly resting. "It shows that a coach is never completely separated from their job. There are many decisions to make in the summer. You might not go to the workplace, but you remain connected to the club".

PSG will also defend the French Super Cup this weekend against Lens. While keen to add more trophies to the club's collection, Enrique believes the most important objective remains the entire season ahead. "We set ambitious goals and will continue to do so", he said. "We are preparing for the season intelligently. We want to be in the best condition at the end of the season, rather than right from the start".

Hong Duy (according to Marca, Daily Mail)