Luis Enrique delivers clear Liverpool message ahead of Champions League clash

View 2 Images

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique insists there is no clear favourite ahead of his team's forthcoming Champions League encounter with Liverpool . The Reds secured their place in the quarter-finals following a commanding 4-0 victory over Turkish outfit Galatasaray on Wednesday evening (4-1 on aggregate).

Arne Slot's squad have endured a torrid time in the Premier League this campaign, with Saturday's 2-1 loss at Brighton and Hove Albion leaving the defending champions languishing in fifth place. Their current standing should be sufficient for Champions League qualification next season, but a sequence of four league fixtures without victory has cast doubt over that prospect.

An alternative pathway into Europe's premier competition lies in lifting this season's trophy, though the Reds face a formidable quarter-final encounter against holders PSG next month. The opening leg takes place in Paris on April 8, with the second leg at Anfield six days afterwards.

Despite Liverpool's domestic woes this term, Enrique cannot split the two sides when discussing the last eight clash. Both teams met at the last 16 stage last season, with PSG edging through on spot-kicks.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

He said: "Liverpool holds good memories for us, of course. I remember last year.

"Liverpool were the best team in Europe at that stage; they were playing incredible football.

"We're looking forward to this quarter-final, first in Paris, then in Liverpool.

View 2 Images

"I'm fortunate to have an incredible team and intelligent players. They know that in this type of game, there are no favorites. It'll be very positive for us to play these two games."

Liverpool also have an opportunity to secure domestic silverware, with Slot's side facing Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals - four days prior to the first leg against PSG.

And attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has emphasised the significance of capitalising on any momentum gained in Europe and carrying that into their remaining league and cup matches.

Speaking to club media before the Brighton defeat, the 22-year-old said: "It will be very important for us, also for our mind and also for the spirit in the team that we just create momentum and also an energy that we can win all the games now.

"It's always good to have a better feeling and also a better atmosphere in the changing room because when you don't win the team is not really happy.