Luis Enrique Eyes Historic PSG Season as They Reach Club World Cup Quarters
The French side, who have already won their domestic league, the French Cup and the Champions League, are edging closer to completing a perfect season by lifting the Club World Cup.
"This is clearly a historic season for our club, and we intend to continue making history in this competition," former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique told reporters.
The reunion with ex-Barcelona players Lionel Messi and Miami coach Javier Mascherano – both central figures during Luis Enrique's Camp Nou tenure between 2014 and 2017 – added emotional weight to what was otherwise a clinical dismantling of the MLS side.
"It was a very special game because I met people who are very important to me, people with whom we shared successes and failures," the 55-year-old Spaniard said.
When asked if he would like to coach Messi in Europe again, he said it was a question for the Argentine.
"We have all seen his qualities as a player, and he still has them. It's very difficult to play against this kind of player. It was hard, but I believe that as a team we did a really great job."
PSG's ruthless first-half display effectively settled matters before Miami found their footing after the interval.
"I think that's the first half where we really dominated the game. We didn't concede a single chance, but then in the second half, maybe because of the results, Inter Miami created more chances and got us into trouble," he added.
With Flamengo or Bayern Munich awaiting in the quarter-finals, Luis Enrique pivoted back to the task at hand.
"We have to stay focused," he insisted. "Holidays and next season are not things I'm interested in right now. We have to think about recuperating and preparing for the game in the best possible conditions."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Alcaraz aims to avoid giant-killing after Wimbledon seeds tumble
Alcaraz's meeting with the British qualifier is a classic David against Goliath encounter For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Leverkusen Signs England Under-21 Defender Jarell Quansah from Liverpool
Bayer Leverkusen has replaced former captain Jonathan Tah with Jarell Quansah from Liverpool in a club-record signing for a defender. The 22-year-old Quansah signed a contract through June 2030 and will wear Tah's former No. 4 shirt, the Bundesliga club said Wednesday. The reported fee of more than 30 million euros ($35.3 million) rising to 40 million ($47 million) with bonuses corresponds roughly with what Liverpool agreed to pay Leverkusen for Netherlands right back Jeremie Frimpong in May, The Associated Press reported. Liverpool reportedly secured a buy-back option for Quansah for more than 60 million euros ($70.6 million) after he has spent two seasons at Leverkusen. Leverkusen also sold star player Florian Wirtz to Liverpool last month for a Bundesliga-record fee. Tah switched to league rival Bayern Munich once the season concluded after declining to extend his contract. He had spent a decade at Leverkusen and was a key part of the team which won the Bundesliga and German Cup unbeaten in 2023-24. Quansah won the Under-21 European Championship with England last week. But he was unable to establish himself as a regular starter at Liverpool ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. 'One of the most promising English central defenders. He's fast, agile, a good footballer,' Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said of Quansah. 'He has already made an impressive impact in a Liverpool defense dominated by world-class players. With Jarell, our defense gains significant dynamism, pace and toughness in tackling, and he's another very important building block." Leverkusen last week also signed Abdoulaye Faye for a reported fee of 3 million euros ($3.5 million) from Swedish team BK Häcken, with the 20-year-old Senegalese defender expected to go on loan for the upcoming season.
Al Arabiya
6 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Jobe Bellingham Suspended and Will Miss Out on Club World Cup Reunion With Brother Jude
Jobe Bellingham is suspended for the Club World Cup quarterfinals after picking up a yellow card in Borussia Dortmund's victory against Monterrey, meaning he will miss the chance to face his brother Jude and Real Madrid in the next round. Dortmund plays Madrid at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, but midfielder Jobe will serve a one-match suspension for his second yellow card of the tournament. He was previously booked in the win against Ulsan HD in the group stage. The clash between Dortmund and Madrid would have been a proud moment for the Bellingham family, showcasing the rapid rise of the brothers who were both developed at Birmingham's academy. Jude Bellingham left Birmingham for Dortmund in 2020 at the age of 17 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the world's top players, securing a move to Madrid three years later for a fee that could rise to 139 million. He has already won the Spanish league title and the Champions League with Madrid and is also a key figure for England. Jobe moved from Birmingham to Sunderland in 2023. After helping the team to promotion to the Premier League last season, he followed in his brother's footsteps by signing for Dortmund last month. Jobe has already had an impact at Dortmund, making his debut at the Club World Cup and then scoring his first goal for his new club against Mamelodi Sundowns. Madrid beat Juventus 1–0 to advance to the quarterfinals, and Dortmund beat Monterrey 2–1.
