Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has revealed his strategy for neutralizing Lamine Yamal’s threat ahead of the match against Barcelona, while midfielder Vitinha asserted that the French side do not enter the European heavyweight clash out of fear of the Spanish star.
The manager and the midfielder spoke on Monday ahead of their sides’ meeting at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening for the third round of the Champions League league phase, with both teams entering the fixture boasting six points apiece.
Regarding how to stop Yamal, Enrique said: “The best way to defend against Yamal is to have the ball; if we have it, he won’t, and we will feel comfortable,” placing the battle for possession at the heart of his tactical preparations.
This challenge takes on added significance given the absence of Nuno Mendes, a key component of PSG’s left flank who would typically bear direct responsibility against the Barcelona winger. Enrique is betting on a collective approach to contain the danger, facing a side that also features Raphinha, Rodri, and other high-quality talents.
For his part, Vitinha said: “I wouldn’t call it fear. He is one of the best players in the world, but reducing Barcelona to just Yamal isn’t fair,” stressing that PSG are preparing to face a complete team rather than a single player, regardless of his immense talent.
Addressing the battle in midfield, the Portuguese international added: “Both teams want the ball, but there is only one ball,” anticipating an open start where each side presses the other before one capitalizes on the opponent’s dropping tempo and the spaces they leave behind.
Enrique dismissed loading Yamal with the burden of comparisons to Messi, stating: “I like that Lamine wants to be Lamine, not Messi,” striking a balance between appreciating the player’s talent and reservations about placing him under early comparisons with the Argentine legend.
Vitinha’s remarks also touched upon the Ballon d’Or ahead of next week’s award ceremony, saying: “The fairest thing would be for it to be won by a Paris Saint-Germain player who won the Champions League,” while acknowledging the brilliance of rival contenders such as Mbappé, Yamal, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise.
The fixture brings together two sides showing strong form; PSG defeated Manchester City 4-2 before overcoming Strasbourg 3-1, while Barcelona thundered past Betis 5-2 to claim their ninth consecutive victory in La Liga. Nevertheless, both camps rejected labeling the encounter as an early final, viewing it as a major test within a season that has not yet reached its decisive stages.
