Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has praised Manchester City’s attacking football under Enzo Maresca, admitting that he enjoys watching the Blues play as a football supporter.
The Spanish coach, who has guided PSG to Champions League titles in each of the previous two seasons, says City’s performances and impressive winning run have made them an exciting team to watch ahead of Wednesday’s meeting at the Etihad Stadium.
Enrique, who previously managed Barcelona and the Spain national team, revealed that his admiration for City dates back to Pep Guardiola’s time in charge and has continued under Maresca.
“I used to watch Pep’s City and I always watch Manchester City. As a football supporter, I like to watch Enzo Maresca’s teams play,” Enrique said during his pre-match press conference.
“They’re very entertaining and attacking. They’re having a good time of things and to win six of six is no mean feat. That speaks volumes to their level.”
Enrique Impressed by City’s Attacking Football
Enrique believes City’s recent form reflects the quality of their squad and the work being done by Maresca, who has taken charge following Guardiola’s departure.
The PSG boss acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side in Manchester, pointing to City’s individual quality and the strength of their coaching setup.
“They’ve got lots of top players and a good manager too,” he said.
For Enrique, facing City represents both a demanding test and an opportunity for his players to demonstrate their own quality against one of Europe’s leading sides.
“It’s a challenge and a real motivation to play here,” he added.
“We’re now going to play at one of the best teams in Europe. They’re out of Pot A and top seeds.
“We’re very motivated to play them because we want to show the level we are.”
The comments underline the respect PSG have for City ahead of a fixture that brings together two clubs with significant ambitions in European football.
Enrique Welcomes Donnarumma Reunion
Wednesday’s encounter will also see Gianluigi Donnarumma face PSG for the first time since leaving the French club to join Manchester City last September.
The Italian goalkeeper previously worked under Enrique in Paris, and the PSG manager expressed his happiness at seeing him continue to perform at a high level in England.
“I love Gigio and feel really glad I got to work with him,” Enrique said.
“It was tough when the decision was made for him to leave but that’s football.”
Despite the circumstances surrounding Donnarumma’s departure, Enrique made it clear that he retains considerable affection for the goalkeeper and is pleased with his progress at City.
“I’m really happy to see him playing at the same level he did at PSG and doing so well at Manchester City,” he added.
A Major Test for Both European Heavyweights
With Enrique praising City’s attacking approach and acknowledging the quality of Maresca’s squad, PSG head to the Etihad aware of the challenge facing them.
The visitors will be looking to demonstrate their own credentials against a City side that has impressed with its early-season form.
For Enrique, however, the fixture is also an opportunity to test his team against football he admires, with the Spanish coach making no secret of his appreciation for the way Manchester City approach the game.
