Paris Saint-Germain could lose another key player for Wednesday's game against FC Barcelona. In the press conference prior to the match, Luis Enrique cast doubt on the presence of Vitinha in the starting lineup. The midfielder, although he traveled with the squad to Catalonia, seems not to be one hundred percent physically.

"We have to wait for today's training session. We don't want to take risks. The final decision will be the player's," explained 'Lucho' regarding the Portuguese player's physical condition. Vitinha asked for the change on Saturday against Auxerre (2-0) after half an hour of the match due to muscle discomfort.

Luis Enrique 'passes' on lamenting the losses of Paris

In that sense, the 25-year-old midfielder, considered the brain of the Parisian midfield, could join Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué, Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the four confirmed absentees for the visit to Barça.

Beyond being starting players, Luis Enrique ruled out attributing a drop in performance at PSG to the losses. "There are no excuses. We have players ready for tomorrow. We will prepare the match in the usual way to try to win it."

"Our intention is not to speculate against Barça. It is a match made to measure for both teams."

Praise for Barça and Hansi Flick

On the other hand, the Asturian coach took the opportunity to praise a Barcelona that, in his opinion, attacks and defends very well. Hansi Flick's team continues to be one of the highest scoring teams in Europe (they have 21 in 7 league games) and, in that sense, the PSG coach did not skimp on praise for his Barça counterpart.

"He is a coach of the highest level. He adapts to any game situation and it is a team that I love. I really enjoy watching them," commented 'Lucho'. Similarly, he expressed his excitement about facing a 'top' rival like the 'culés' again.

"For us it is exciting to play against a team like that, with a great coach. They play very good football beyond the results." In his previous visit to Catalonia, also with Paris, the former Spanish coach took the victory (1-4) and the pass to the 'semis' of the Champions League 23/24.

Regarding his time at the 'azulgrana' team (2014-2017), the 55-year-old coach valued feeling the affection and respect of the Catalan fans and press. "Barcelona is my home, I was captain and coach. I can't say a bad thing about Barça, I will always be grateful to them. I am a 'culé' member and I will be all my life."

"No matter what the result is, I think there will be two similar teams and, for me, the key will be to see who keeps the ball."

Luis Enrique also surrenders to Pedri and talks about the Ballon d'Or

On the other hand, Luis Enrique also took the opportunity to praise Pedri González. He was the one who gave him his debut in the National Team and considers him a 'wizard' in the center of the field.

"He is 'Harry Potter', I hope he doesn't bring his wand tomorrow. But Barcelona is not just Pedri, it's all the players. Barça does not speculate and goes on the attack, but knows how to press well and pull the line," said the Parisian coach.

Regarding the Ballon d'Or for Dembélé and his absence against Barça, 'Lucho' ruled out favoritism because he is a French player. Similarly, he trusts in the talent of his squad not to feel his absence in Montjuïc.

"When you win there is some percentage (on the vote), but it does not worry us coaches. We have the opportunity to have very good players in all positions," concluded Luis Enrique, who already has two Champions Leagues on the bench, one with Barça and another with Paris, with ten years of distance (2015-2025).

"All teams seek a balance between defense and attack. Barça and PSG are similar teams, for the fans and for the players it will be a nice challenge."