Sports

PSG vs Bayern Munich: What managers said ahead of Champions League blockbuster

Joel Masibo 28th April, 2026 07:09 PM

PSG manager Louis Enrique. PHOTO/@PSG_English/x

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) take on Bayern München again as the latest chapter in their UEFA Champions League rivalry begins in the semi-final first leg at Parc des Princes on Tuesday night, April 28, 2026.

Bayern were 2-1 winners in Paris on Matchday 4, their fifth successive victory against Paris. The Champions League holders, PSG, reached a third successive semi-final, a European Cup first for a French club, by beating Liverpool 2-0 in both France and England in the quarter-finals. Eleventh in the league phase, they defeated Monaco 5-4 on aggregate in an all-French knockout phase play-off (3-2 a, 2-2 h) and Chelsea 8-2 in the round of 16 (5-2 h, 3-0 a).

A previous encounter between PSG and Bayern Munich. PHOTO/UEFA Champions League

Bayern have won 11 of their 12 games in this season’s Champions League (L1). Second in the league phase, they beat Atalanta in the last 16 (6-1 a, 4-1 h) and Real Madrid in an epic quarter-final (2-1 a, 4-3 h). Statistically, this is the sixth season in the last nine in which the teams have met in the Champions League.

What managers said

Luis Enrique, Paris coach: “Every coach wants to approach the run-in in the best possible conditions. Right now, we are in the semi-finals and all the players are available, apart from Quentin Ndjantou. The magic of the Champions League gives special energy to the players. Everyone wants to be there and makes the most of it.” He said.

Vincent Kompany, Bayern coach: “We’ve already won at the Bernabéu this year [against Real Madrid] and won in Paris. Paris are obviously still the Champions League holders, but if any team can take on this challenge, it’s us. We know how good Paris are, but we want this game.” He noted.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/fcbayern.en

Players’ reaction

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Paris winger: “I remember that match [the league phase defeat], we didn’t play as well as them, but there were also injuries. In the second half, we showed that we were capable of anything and of beating them, but we didn’t score the goals we needed.” He stated.

Dayot Upamecano, Bayern defender: “It’s a big match for us. We’re totally focused on our own game. We obviously want to win here. PSG have great players and a super squad, but we’re totally focused on our game and want to win.” He explained.