Luis Enrique says Paris St Germain still the team to beat in Champions League

Luis Enrique is convinced Paris St Germain remain the team to beat as they target back-to-back Champions League titles.

The holders were paired with Premier League Chelsea in Friday’s last 16 draw but having lifted the trophy for the first time at the end of last season despite the summer departure of star man Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid, their Spanish boss remains confident of retaining it.

He told a press conference: “Nobody thought we could win the Champions League last season. It is different because the scenario is so different.

“Everyone knows we are capable of winning this Champions League but to do that, we have to improve our performance level. We are aware of that.”

If they are to be crowned champions for a second successive year, PSG will have to find a way past Chelsea, who beat them 3-0 in the final of the Club World Cup in New Jersey last summer – although Luis Enrique insists that game will have no bearing on the two-legged tie.

He said: “The Champions League draw is difficult, as usual. We don’t expect anything different.

“We are pleased. It will be interesting to play against one of the best English teams, who we know well.

“There is no feeling of revenge for us. This is a different competition. This is our pathway and we are used to it.

Winners win.