Luis Enrique (foto: Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain have won the Champions League twice in succession, but Luis Enrique is already targeting history by matching Real Madrid's three consecutive European titles.
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Paris Saint-Germain has dominated European club football for the past two seasons, but Luis Enrique has no intention of lowering his ambitions. The Spanish coach has already identified the next target: a third consecutive Champions League title.
If PSG succeed, they would equal an achievement that only Real Madrid have managed in the modern Champions League era.
Luis Enrique discussed the enormous challenge ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa.
"We have a unique challenge ahead of us, something that is almost unparalleled in the history of European football: to equal Real Madrid," Luis Enrique told UEFA.
Real Madrid set the standard under Zidane
Real Madrid remain the only club to win three consecutive Champions League titles since the competition adopted its current identity.
Under Zinedine Zidane, Madrid conquered Europe in 2016, 2017 and 2018, creating one of the most impressive dynasties in modern club football.
PSG now has an opportunity to join them.
The Parisians have won the last two editions of the Champions League and will enter the new campaign attempting to complete an extraordinary hat-trick.
"We are setting ambitious goals, and we are continuing with that. Now the situation is different because everyone thinks we can win again. But we have to prove our quality on the pitch," Luis Enrique said.
The PSG coach knows expectations have changed dramatically following two years of European success.
"If you look at history, you will hardly find a team that wins all the time. But that is exactly what we are striving for."
Nine trophies in two seasons
Luis Enrique's spell in Paris has developed into an extraordinary period of success.
PSG have collected nine trophies across the last two seasons, with consecutive Champions League triumphs transforming their status in European football.
The next trophy is already available.
PSG will face Aston Villa, winners of last season's Europa League, in the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on Wednesday.
Luis Enrique has made clear that PSG will treat the match seriously.
"I have no doubt that the Super Cup is a very important trophy and that Aston Villa will be very competitive," he said.
Luis Enrique refuses to discuss Barcola
The PSG coach was also questioned about the future of Bradley Barcola, who has attracted serious interest from Liverpool.
Luis Enrique refused to fuel speculation surrounding the French international.
"I do not know and I do not want to talk about individual players. It is always dangerous when you ask me something positive or negative about an individual. I remain focused on my team."
Barcola has returned to Paris following his involvement at the World Cup and could receive his first minutes of the new season against Aston Villa.
For PSG, Wednesday represents the first opportunity to add another trophy. The bigger objective will arrive later.
Two consecutive Champions League titles have already established PSG as Europe's dominant force. A third would place Luis Enrique's team alongside Zidane's Real Madrid in Champions League history.