Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique played down suggestions of a straightforward task in the upcoming Club Football World Cup final against Chelsea, praising the English side’s strength and style under manager Enzo Maresca.
“Anyone who thinks this will be a walk in the park clearly doesn’t understand football,” Enrique said on the eve of the final. “I’ve studied Chelsea closely. They’ve just won the Conference League and are a well-structured, high-pressing, attacking side. I have a lot of respect for Maresca and how his team plays.”
Highlighting Chelsea’s physical strength and tactical discipline, Enrique noted that both sides share many similarities in terms of style and intensity. “They’re a complete team with strong individuals who also work hard when it comes to defending. This match will be anything but easy. Both teams are well prepared, they won the Conference League, and we come in as Champions League winners.”
This PSG side is markedly different from the superstar-laden squads of previous years, and Enrique was asked if the team’s recent success, including a Champions League title, is tied to a shift away from relying on global stars.
“The star is the team, that’s our philosophy,” he replied. “It’s a commitment I made with the club president and the sporting department. From day one, our objective was to build a side the fans could connect with. We might lose matches, but the direction is clear.”
When asked whether he himself has become the standout figure in the PSG setup, Enrique firmly denied any such status.
“I’ve never wanted to be the star not as a player, and not now as a coach. My job is to lead the team. I actually feel more at ease when facing adversity,” he said. “Sure, it’s great when things go well and we make people happy, but I understand how it works, a coach is judged by results. That’s part of the job. I’ve received plenty of criticism, and I welcome it. It drives me more than praise.”
With the final looming, Enrique acknowledged the importance of the occasion but insisted that effort and focus remain his priorities. “Is this my best season? Maybe but we’ll have to win tomorrow first. What matters most is that we give everything we’ve got on the pitch.”
