Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique described the Club World Cup Semi-Final Confrontation between the European Champions and Real Madrid as “Special” on Wednesday about his relationship with Kylian Mbappe prior to a reunion with the Superstar striker.
“Playing against Real Madrid is always a special game,” said PSG's Spanish coach reporters during a press conference at the Metlife Stadium just outside New York, where the collision will take place.
“We are pleased to play in a game like this, because this means that we have done a good job so far.”
PSG came to the United States for the Fresh Tournament from winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time, in the season after Mbappe's departure for Real.
Luis Enrique coached Mbappe during his last campaign in Paris, a turbulent year in which the France captain was initially put from the team because he refused to sign a new contract and was later used sparingly after he made it clear that he would leave.
“I can only say that it belongs in the past, it is now behind us,” said Luis Enrique.
“Many things make this a special game. This game is important because it is a semi -final of the club World Cup. That makes it very interesting and we have to be ready to stay focused on the game.
“We are very close to playing another final and that is a real motivation,” added the coach, who was without defensive duo Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez after both were sent away in the quarterfinals victory over Bayern Munich.
While PSG tries to end a trophy-charged season with even more silverware, the club World Cup marks the start of a new era for Real under their new coach Xabi Alonso.
“I think it is very difficult to analyze Real Madrid because Xabi Alonso has just started his work,” said Luis Enrique, who is closely linked to Barcelona but also played in the Santiago Bernabeu in the nineties.
“For me it has always been a pleasure to play against Real Madrid and that will always be.
“They are the most decorated club in the world and Xabi needs everything to take on the challenge.”
Real coach Alonso did not speak with the media on Tuesday after the flight from the Spanish giants to New York was delayed from their training basis in Florida due to stormy weather conditions.
The winners of the semi-final on Wednesday will continue to the final on Sunday, where Chelsea is on hold after the English side Fluminense defeated 2-0 in the first last four draw on Tuesday.
________________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup – every match for free, exclusively on Dazn.
________________________________________________