Luis Enrique Addresses Team Comparisons
Luis Enrique, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has sidestepped questions concerning comparisons between his current squad and the one that included Kylian Mbappé before his departure to Real Madrid. As PSG prepares to face off against the Spanish giants in the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, Enrique emphasized his focus on future prospects rather than reminiscing about past team compositions.
Focus on the Future
When prompted during a news briefing about whether his current team is actually an improvement without the French forward who left on a free transfer last year, Enrique replied, “This is a question about the past, and I’m not here to talk about that. I’m only thinking about the future.”
He acknowledged, however, that going against his former player adds an exciting dynamic to the forthcoming match, noting that taking on the “most successful team in the world” comes with its own form of motivation.
Weather Conditions Impacting the Match
The match will also be influenced by severe weather conditions in New Jersey, where the afternoon heat has already raised concerns. The temperatures during Tuesday’s semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense soared above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), combined with more than 54% humidity, leading to a warning from the National Weather Service.
Enrique commented on the difficulties posed by these temperatures, saying, “We’re getting used to it. Because of the World Cup, these conditions have become the norm. It might not be ideal for the spectacle since playing in such heat isn’t easy, but it affects both teams equally.”
Looking Forward to the Challenge
Nevertheless, the former Barcelona manager is eager for the challenge ahead.
“Facing Real Madrid will undoubtedly be a special match,” he conveyed. “We enjoy these types of games because they signify that we’ve performed well to reach the semifinal stage.”
The victor of this encounter will advance to the final on Sunday to compete against Chelsea, who secured their place in the final after defeating Fluminense 2-0, thanks to a double from new signing João Pedro.
