Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique warned his players before PSG's match against Villarreal that past results would not win the game. Villarreal boss Inigo Perez also said the fixture matters because of the hierarchy of the opponent.
Luis Enrique's message
In his pre-match press conference, Luis Enrique told PSG that their results so far would not be enough against Villarreal. He said: "If you think that is what is going to win us tomorrow's match, you are completely mistaken."
He added: "Winning will be impossible if you don't have the ambition, the determination and the ability to run for the whole match."
Luis Enrique also said PSG are up against a strong Villarreal side led by a very good coach.
Reference to last season
Luis Enrique said: "Last year, we started like this season and we didn't finish in the top eight. This is the Champions League. Tomorrow, it is crucial to be ready for every scenario. We want to improve on last year's league performance."
Villarreal view
Inigo Perez said: "The game we have tomorrow is important enough, because of the hierarchy of the opponent. What better scenario, what better team in this competition in the last two years to be able to reaffirm this belief that we have been developing?"
PSG squad news
Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes remain sidelined for PSG's trip. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set for a lengthy rehabilitation period following knee surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the recent victory over Barcelona.
