Luis Enrique not worried about Marco Asensio coming back to haunt PSG as Aston Villa loan star returns to face parent club in Champions League showdown

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique asserted that he was not worried about facing an in-form Marco Asensio when his team takes on Aston Villa in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. Asensio joined PSG on a free transfer from Real Madrid in 2023, where he reunited with Enrique. However, in January, the forward signed for Villa on loan for the rest of the season.

Asensio has been in stellar form for the Lions ever since making a loan move a few months ago, scoring eight goals in 11 appearances. That's one more than what he managed during his 18-month spell at the Parc des Princes.

Speaking to the reporters ahead of the Champions League against Aston Villa on Wednesday, Enrique said (h/t Independent): “It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m delighted that Marco Asensio can play. He hasn’t had any game time here, so he had the option of going to Birmingham. It’s good that he’s playing.

“I shared a lot with him in the national team. I had the opportunity to have him during a World Cup. He is a very important player for me. He was important during last season, but also at the beginning of this season. He is a very high-class player. He was important at the start of the season and I know him perfectly well.”

Asensio's confidence has clearly returned since arriving at Villa Park, forming a lethal partnership with another loanee, Marcus Rashford. Reports mention that Unai Emery is extremely happy with the Spaniard and is willing to walk the extra mile to make his move from PSG permanent in the summer.