Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique jokingly questioned the contents of a backpack near his chair during a press conference on Tuesday, a day before the team’s crucial Champions League playoff return leg against AS Monaco.
The incident occurred as Enrique prepared to face questions from journalists at the PSG Campus in Poissy, France. Noticing a black backpack, he initially asked the club’s press officer if it belonged to them, delivering the line with a playful tone. He then turned to the assembled reporters and, with a touch of mock concern, inquired, “Is this a bomb or what?” before proceeding to inspect the bag himself.
The backpack, it turned out, belonged to a member of the press corps, who identified themselves to allay Enrique’s suspicions. The manager responded with a smile, asking if the contents were “something positive” before beginning the scheduled press conference. “It could have been a small bomb,” he quipped, according to reports.
The lighthearted moment came as PSG prepares for a pivotal match against Monaco. PSG holds a 3-2 advantage from the first leg played in Monaco, despite a shaky start to that contest. A win, or even a draw, at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday would secure their place in the Champions League round of 16. Still, the team will be without forward Ousmane Dembélé for the match.
Should PSG advance, they could face either Newcastle United or FC Barcelona in the next stage of the competition, according to reports. The Champions League playoff represents a critical juncture for the club, as they aim to progress deep into Europe’s most prestigious club tournament.
