"Winning teams always receive praise. But look at Pep Guardiola's Man City - considered the best team of this decade, yet they lost a series of matches, as if they were annihilated. I don't want PSG to become complacent," Enrique said on 11/7.
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Coach Enrique during a PSG training session in New Jersey, USA on 8/7. Photo: psg.fr |
Coach Enrique during a PSG training session in New Jersey, USA on 8/7. Photo: psg.fr
PSG will face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on 13/7. En route to the final, Enrique's team defeated Atletico 4-0, Seattle Sounders 2-0, lost to Botafogo 0-1 (group stage), defeated Inter Miami 4-0 (round of 16), Bayern 2-0 (quarter-finals), and Real 4-0 (semi-finals). Chelsea, meanwhile, beat Los Angeles FC 2-0, Esperance 3-0, lost to Flamengo 1-3 (group stage), beat Benfica 4-1 (round of 16), Palmeiras 2-1 (quarter-finals), and Fluminense 2-0 (semi-finals).
Both teams entered the Club World Cup on a high. PSG won the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Super Cup, and French Cup, while Chelsea finished 4th in the English Premier League and won the Conference League.
Enrique credits Chelsea's strong performance to their coach, Enzo Maresca. "Anyone who thinks this match is a mere formality hasn't analyzed Chelsea," he explained. "I'm truly impressed with what Maresca is doing. They finished 4th in the Premier League and are having an excellent season. PSG will approach the match with 100% focus and effort."
A victory against Chelsea would secure all five titles for PSG in the 2024-2025 season. "If I were to analyze the entire season, I would say it's been extraordinary," Enrique stated. "It's crucial for us to finish in the best way possible. We want to continue making history by winning the final."
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Forward Ousmane Dembele lifts the trophy as PSG players celebrate their Champions League victory after defeating Inter 5-0 at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 31/5/2025. Photo: AFP |
Forward Ousmane Dembele lifts the trophy as PSG players celebrate their Champions League victory after defeating Inter 5-0 at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany on 31/5/2025. Photo: AFP
PSG’s teamwork has been impressive. While individual players shine, they remain cohesive, forming a dominant unit. "The real star is the team," Enrique added. "We want stars, but they must serve the team. That's our goal and commitment to the President. The same goes for the fans. The star isn't just one fan, but the entire Parc des Princes stadium. That's what PSG represents."
Captain Marquinhos, who has played at Parc des Princes since 2013, considers this the strongest and most effective PSG team he's ever known. He feels honored to contribute to its success.
Regarding the final, Marquinhos echoed his coach's caution, advising his teammates to respect their opponent and avoid complacency. "Every match has its own story. We've played very well, but we can never be complacent. We'll adjust our tactics and play our best with an attacking mindset. That's what we've been working on since the coach arrived," the PSG captain said.
Thanh Quy (according to Marca)
