NEW YORK — Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has labelled his team’s upcoming Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid as “special,” while sidestepping questions about a potential reunion with former PSG star Kylian Mbappe.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the much-anticipated showdown will take place, Enrique said: “Playing against Real Madrid is always a special game. We are delighted to be playing in a game like this because it means we have done a good job up to now.”
PSG enter the tie fresh off their historic UEFA Champions League triumph — the club’s first — achieved in the same season Mbappe departed for Madrid. The match sets up a compelling narrative, with Mbappe now wearing Real’s white jersey after a turbulent final year at PSG under Enrique’s management.
During that final campaign, Mbappe was briefly frozen out of the squad over contract issues before returning to action on a limited basis. When asked about his relationship with the French star, Enrique declined to dwell on the past: “All I can say is that belongs in the past. It is behind us now.”
The Spanish coach emphasised the significance of Wednesday’s fixture beyond any personal backstories: “This game is important because it is a Club World Cup semi-final. That makes it very interesting and we need to be ready to remain focused. We are very close to playing another final and that is a true motivation.”
PSG will, however, be without key defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both suspended after receiving red cards in their quarter-final win over Bayern Munich.
While PSG are aiming to cap off a trophy-laden season with more silverware, Real Madrid are entering a new chapter under recently appointed manager Xabi Alonso. The former Spain international did not address the media on Tuesday after Real’s flight from Florida was delayed due to stormy weather.
Enrique, who once played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, praised his former international teammate: “It’s very difficult to analyse Real Madrid because Xabi Alonso is just starting his work there. They are the most decorated club in the world and Xabi has everything required to take on the challenge.”
The winner of the semi-final will face Chelsea in Sunday’s final. The English club booked their spot after a 2-0 victory over Fluminense in the other last-four fixture.
