Luis Enrique explains why he’d rather face Chelsea in the Champions League last 16
Luis Enrique has given an honest assessment of Chelsea’s standing in Europe, saying he would “honestly” like to face the Blues in this season’s Champions League.
Chelsea have reached the round of 16 after a pair of goals from Joao Pedro against Napoli helped them secure a spot among the top eight.
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They are still waiting to find out who they will be up against, with Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, and Qarabag all possibilities at this stage.
Newcastle are already 6-1 up after the first leg, while PSG hold a 3-2 advantage over Monaco.
The draw is scheduled for 27th February, but there are still second legs to play for both Newcastle and PSG before everything is settled.
Luis Enrique eyes Chelsea for Champions League draw
Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
PSG’s head coach was clear about his preference when asked which club he would rather face in the Champions League, assuming they make it through to the last 16.
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Enrique said: “I’ve been asked whether I’d rather face FC Barcelona or Chelsea F.C.… and honestly, I think Chelsea would be the better option for us right now.
“Barcelona are playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of rhythm. In the Champions League, you have to be smart. If I can choose, I’d choose Chelsea.”
Having already defeated the French side in the FIFA Club World Cup final in June, this potential match-up would not mark the first encounter between Chelsea and PSG.
Looking back at the most recent Chelsea vs PSG meeting
The last time Chelsea faced PSG was in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final. The Blues put together an impressive 3-0 win, highlighted by two goals from Cole Palmer and another from Joao Pedro that wrapped up the match before halftime.
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Things only got worse for Paris in the second half, as they finished with 10 men and Enrique later faced an investigation over a post-match incident involving Pedro.
Chelsea are now in a period of transition under Liam Rosenior, but that result is still fresh. And based on his recent comments, it sounds like Enrique is ready to use a Champions League tie as a way to settle old scores.
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