PSG coach Luis Enrique has firmly warned against underestimating Chelsea in the upcoming Club Football World Cup final, emphasizing that victory is far from a given.
Don’t Call It a Formality
Luis Enrique wasted no time in dispelling any notions of an easy ride against Chelsea. He stressed that anyone who views the final as a mere formality “doesn’t know anything about football.”
He revealed his thorough analysis of the Chelsea squad, highlighting their recent Conference League victory. Enrique holds Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca in high regard, appreciating his tactical approach that involves coming from behind, pressing high, and attacking relentlessly. “They’re a very complete team,” he stated, promising PSG would approach the match with “100% effort.”
Enrique anticipates a tough, close contest, noting Chelsea’s physical strength and defensive capabilities. He believes both teams share similar core aspects of play, setting the stage for a compelling showdown. “We are ready, they are ready,” he declared.
The Team is the True Star
With high-profile names like Messi no longer at PSG, Enrique was questioned if winning the Champions League without such individual stars was a coincidence. He firmly believes in the collective power of a squad, stating, “A team of 11 stars, that’s football.”
He emphasized that the true star is the team itself, a philosophy he and the club’s management committed to from his first day in Paris. This team-first identity is what he aims for supporters to identify with, acknowledging that while losses will happen, the overall path is clear.
Coach’s Humility and Motivation
When asked if he, Luis Enrique, is the real star of PSG, the coach humbly rejected the idea. “Star, absolutely not,” he insisted, explaining that he never sought individual fame as a player or a coach.
He finds comfort and motivation in criticism rather than praise, accepting that a coach’s success is often measured by results. While admitting this might be his best season yet, he reiterated that only a win in the final would confirm it. “The most important thing is to finish this match giving 100%,” he concluded.
Beyond Individual Accolades
Enrique also expressed his skepticism about individual awards, whether for players like Ousmane Dembele or for coaches. He firmly believes the team always takes precedence over individual achievements.
He praised Dembele as PSG’s best individual player due to his significant contributions in goals and assists, which directly helped the team secure victories. However, this success is still viewed through the lens of collective achievement, reinforcing PSG’s benchmark as a team-first club.
- Luis Enrique expects a highly challenging Club Football World Cup final against Chelsea, dismissing any idea of an easy win.
- He admires Chelsea’s tactical approach and physical strength, predicting a close match.
- Enrique firmly believes the “team” is the ultimate star at PSG, not individual players or even himself.
- He thrives on criticism and views his best season as dependent on winning the upcoming final.
As the final approaches, PSG’s focus remains squarely on a collective effort, a philosophy their coach champions above all else.
