Luis Enrique praises Marco Asensio ahead of PSG vs Aston Villa Champions League clash

PSG boss welcomes former player’s revival under Unai Emery ahead of crucial European quarter-final.

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique speaks at a press conference following a training session at Campus PSG in Poissy, west of Paris, on April 8, 2025, ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg match against Aston Villa. Photo by Franck Fife/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

As Paris Saint-Germain prepare for their high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa, Luis Enrique praises Marco Asensio ahead of PSG vs Aston Villa Champions League clash, emphasizing the player's growth since moving to England. The Spanish playmaker, currently on loan at Aston Villa, will return to face his parent club in a much-anticipated showdown at the Parc des Princes.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Enrique shared his delight at seeing Asensio find his form under Unai Emery at Villa Park. The match, scheduled for Thursday, April 10 at 02.00 WIB, not only reunites Asensio with Enrique but also pits the PSG manager against a familiar adversary in Emery—his compatriot and former PSG coach.

“I’m happy he can play,” Enrique said, his expression betraying a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. “He didn’t get the game time he wanted here and he had the opportunity to go to Birmingham. It’s good he played.”

A revival in Birmingham

Since making his move to Aston Villa in February, Marco Asensio has undergone something of a renaissance. In just 11 appearances across all competitions, he has scored eight goals and provided one assist, becoming a vital attacking force for the Premier League club. These numbers already exceed what he managed over the course of more than half a season with Les Parisiens—just two goals and four assists from 16 outings.

Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Asensio appears to have rediscovered the sharpness and confidence that once made him one of Spain’s most promising midfielders. Emery, who previously coached PSG and is now crafting a tactical resurgence at Villa, has given Asensio a more defined role, and the results are evident.

Enrique and Asensio: a familiar bond

Luis Enrique is no stranger to Asensio’s talents. Their connection stretches back to the Spanish national team, where Enrique coached the midfielder during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The pair developed a mutual respect and trust, with Enrique frequently relying on Asensio in key matches.

“He came to the World Cup with me and was very important,” Enrique said. “He was important for us last season and at the start of this season. He is a top-class player.”

These remarks illustrate the enduring regard Enrique holds for Asensio, despite the player’s struggles to secure regular minutes in a crowded PSG squad that boasts attacking talent such as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Randal Kolo Muani.

A clash of philosophies

Beyond the individual storyline of Marco Asensio, this Champions League quarter-final represents a clash of footballing philosophies. On one side is Luis Enrique, known for his tactical fluidity, pressing intensity, and emphasis on possession. On the other is Unai Emery, a strategist who thrives on structure, defensive discipline, and maximizing counterattacking opportunities.

“It would be nice to see him again,” Enrique said of Emery. “He is a great coach and Aston Villa are in good form. It will be a tough match.”

Indeed, Aston Villa have defied expectations in Europe this season. After an electrifying run through the knockout rounds, the Birmingham side now stands on the brink of an unprecedented Champions League semi-final appearance. Their balance of defensive rigor and clinical finishing has made them one of the most exciting stories of the tournament.

PSG’s momentum and absences

On the PSG side, there’s little doubt the team enters this tie with momentum. Fresh off securing the Ligue 1 title over the weekend, PSG will be riding high. However, they’ll have to do without club captain Marquinhos, who is suspended for the first leg. His absence could prove significant, especially against a Villa side that has shown it can exploit gaps in defense.

In midfield and attack, PSG still possess enough depth to pose serious problems. Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and Warren Zaïre-Emery are likely to marshal the center of the park, while Mbappé and Dembélé will lead the line with their usual flair and pace. But it’s the mental edge and familiarity that may define the contest, especially with Asensio and Emery bringing deep knowledge of the PSG setup into the fray.

A personal and professional reunion

While Champions League matches always come with their share of tactical intrigue and emotional stakes, this particular tie feels more personal than most. It marks a reunion between Enrique and Emery, two Spanish tacticians whose careers have run parallel for years. It also serves as a homecoming of sorts for Asensio, who will return to Paris not as a benchwarmer but as a star performer for the opposition.

For Enrique, the reunion is more than sentimental—it’s a test of PSG’s resilience and adaptability. “Every Champions League match is different. You have to be mentally sharp, tactically sound, and able to react quickly. That’s what we’re preparing for,” he said.

What’s at stake

Both clubs know what’s at stake. For PSG, this tournament remains the holy grail—a trophy that has eluded them despite years of investment and star-studded lineups. For Aston Villa, a deep run in the Champions League would be historic, restoring the club to European prominence after decades in the shadows.

Luis Enrique’s praise for Marco Asensio ahead of the PSG vs Aston Villa Champions League clash highlights not only the individual success of the player but also the broader narrative of redemption, evolution, and strategic brilliance that defines this quarter-final.

As the Parc des Princes prepares for kickoff, all eyes will be on whether Asensio can haunt his parent club and help Villa continue their fairytale, or if Enrique can outwit an old rival to bring PSG closer to their elusive European dream.

One thing is certain—this is not just another Champions League night. It’s a battle of minds, memories, and momentum, and it's set to be unforgettable.