Villarreal manager Inigo Perez has described Paris Saint-Germain as a steamroller flattening everyone ahead of their Champions League meeting at Estadio de la Ceramica.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the 38-year-old Spanish coach acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his team when they host the French side on Tuesday for matchday four of the competition.
Perez said Villarreal approached the fixture with humility after watching Paris Saint-Germain score four goals against Manchester City and then against Barcelona. The French club, two-time European champions, launched their campaign in earnest in October and inspire fear across the continent under the management of Luis Enrique.
Perez praised his fellow Spaniard, saying that what Enrique had done in Paris was perfect since arriving on the bench in 2023. He noted that Enrique experienced initial difficulties at the start but developed his vision once he took command of the project, describing him as a brilliant person with a strong personality who handled both good and difficult moments. Perez added that facing his compatriot was a source of pride.
Villarreal counter-attacking strategy
Despite their respect for the French champions, the club from north of Valencia does not intend to present themselves in front of their home supporters as sacrificial victims. Perez insisted his players must avoid an inferiority complex, warning that their opponents would sense fear and show no mercy.
Perez explained that Paris Saint-Germain would not sit back in defence or wait in front of their penalty area, leaving Villarreal with space to run forward. He stressed that his players must accept the challenge and recognise where and when to attack on the break, even though they will not have much of the ball.
The Spanish club, based in the province of Castellon, will look to former Lyon attacker Georges Mikautadze and experienced forward Gerard Moreno to spearhead their attack. While Villarreal operate with a more modest profile in European football, Paris Saint-Germain represent one of the continent's financial and sporting heavyweights, managed by Enrique since his departure from the Spanish national team.
Pape Gueye midfield duel
Midfielder Pape Gueye will have a vital role to play in Villarreal's tactical approach. Born in the Paris region, Gueye played for Olympique de Marseille between 2020 and 2024 and knows the Parisian side intimately.
Speaking after his coach on Monday, Gueye explained that the Champions League fixture held special personal significance for him and that he intended to shine against his hometown club.
Villarreal host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday at Estadio de la Ceramica, where the contest begins with the opening duel in the centre circle.
