Luis Enrique dodges Mbappe talk ahead of Real Madrid showdown
"This is a question about the past and I'm not here to talk about the past, I'm only thinking about the future," Luis Enrique told a press conference when asked if his PSG are a better team now without Mbappe than when they had the France captain in their squad before his free transfer to Real Madrid last year.
The Spanish coach did acknowledge that facing his former player adds spice to the encounter, saying that "playing against the most successful team in the world" is "definitely extra motivation".
PSG will again have to contend with brutal conditions in New Jersey, with an afternoon kickoff in scorching heat after temperatures in Tuesday's semi-final between Chelsea and Fluminense soared past 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) with over 54% humidity, prompting a National Weather Service warning.
"We're getting used to it. Playing in these conditions, because that's been the norm during the World Cup. It'll be business as usual," Luis Enrique said. "It's not good for the spectacle because it's difficult to play in that position. It's the same for both teams."
Despite the challenging circumstances, the former Barcelona boss is relishing the high-stakes encounter.
"Playing against Real Madrid will be a special match, no doubt about it. At the same time, we like playing these kinds of games because it means you've done your job well and you're in a position to play in a semi-final," he said.
The winner will face Chelsea in Sunday's final, after the Premier League side secured their place with a 2-0 victory over Fluminense on Tuesday, courtesy of newcomer Joao Pedro's brace.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
30 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Enzo Maresca will not change his preparations to face ‘best in the world' PSG
Maresca's Chelsea tackle the formidable French outfit in the Club World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday. PSG have vanquished most of their competition in recent months having stormed to Champions League glory on the back of a clean sweep of French domestic trophies. They have also done so playing exhilarating football, something they demonstrated by thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final in May and reprised in a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid on Wednesday. The odds are therefore stacked against Chelsea this weekend, but Maresca is taking no notice of pre-match predictions. 'We'll see in two days,' said the Chelsea manager. 'For sure they are a top team, the best team in the world, but every game is different. 'I agree with most people, that they are the best in Europe, the best in the world, and the reason why is because they are showing this – they showed it in France, they showed in the Champions League, they are showing in this competition. 'They are a reference not only for me, but for all people who love football. I really like them, I really enjoy watching them but, at the same time, we are here to try to do our best and be different. 'What worries me about Paris St Germain is what worries me about any team. The way I prepare for the game on Sunday is the same way I prepared for the game against Fluminense. 'It doesn't change much for me. I try to see where we can hurt them, I try to see where I can prevent them from hurting us and from there I prepare for the game.' The match is the centre-piece of FIFA's rebranded and lucrative, but also controversial, 32-team tournament, which has been staged in the United States over the past month. There has been plenty of criticism of the competition for issues including poor attendances, extreme weather, kick-off times, quality of pitches and its positioning in the calendar. Yet FIFA, the world governing body, has been determined to make it a success and will hope for a huge crowd at the 82,500-capacity arena for its showpiece game. To add to the occasion, US president Donald Trump is due to attend and the match will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show. Then there is also the small matter of prize money, with the winners set to bank a jackpot in excess of £90million. 'We are delighted to be here,' said Maresca, who is hoping midfielder Moises Caicedo can overcome an ankle injury. 'We feel privileged because we arrived here a month ago (when) there were 32 teams. 'Then you are lucky to be at the end, just two teams. We feel proud and I have the feeling that we are ready to play this final.'
Rhyl Journal
31 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Enzo Maresca will not change his preparations to face ‘best in the world' PSG
Maresca's Chelsea tackle the formidable French outfit in the Club World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday. PSG have vanquished most of their competition in recent months having stormed to Champions League glory on the back of a clean sweep of French domestic trophies. They have also done so playing exhilarating football, something they demonstrated by thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final in May and reprised in a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid on Wednesday. The odds are therefore stacked against Chelsea this weekend, but Maresca is taking no notice of pre-match predictions. 'We'll see in two days,' said the Chelsea manager. 'For sure they are a top team, the best team in the world, but every game is different. 'I agree with most people, that they are the best in Europe, the best in the world, and the reason why is because they are showing this – they showed it in France, they showed in the Champions League, they are showing in this competition. 'They are a reference not only for me, but for all people who love football. I really like them, I really enjoy watching them but, at the same time, we are here to try to do our best and be different. 'What worries me about Paris St Germain is what worries me about any team. The way I prepare for the game on Sunday is the same way I prepared for the game against Fluminense. 'It doesn't change much for me. I try to see where we can hurt them, I try to see where I can prevent them from hurting us and from there I prepare for the game.' The match is the centre-piece of FIFA's rebranded and lucrative, but also controversial, 32-team tournament, which has been staged in the United States over the past month. There has been plenty of criticism of the competition for issues including poor attendances, extreme weather, kick-off times, quality of pitches and its positioning in the calendar. Yet FIFA, the world governing body, has been determined to make it a success and will hope for a huge crowd at the 82,500-capacity arena for its showpiece game. To add to the occasion, US president Donald Trump is due to attend and the match will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show. Then there is also the small matter of prize money, with the winners set to bank a jackpot in excess of £90million. 'We are delighted to be here,' said Maresca, who is hoping midfielder Moises Caicedo can overcome an ankle injury. 'We feel privileged because we arrived here a month ago (when) there were 32 teams. 'Then you are lucky to be at the end, just two teams. We feel proud and I have the feeling that we are ready to play this final.'
The Independent
34 minutes ago
- The Independent
Transfer news live: Spurs' Gibbs-White saga takes explosive twist, Gyokeres on strike, Arsenal agree Madueke
The summer transfer window rolls on as Premier League clubs and those around Europe look to add to their squads. Arsenal 's negotiations for Sporting 's Viktor Gyokeres have stalled over a difference in overall value and terms. However, Gyokeres appears to be taking action over the impasse, with the Sweden striker having refused to show up to Sporting training, while Arsenal have also been busy in agreeing a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. Tottenham have been busy and have aggressively backed new manager Thomas Frank with a deal for West Ham's Mohammed Kudu s, but despite triggering the release clause for Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest are now considering legal action over what they believe to be an illegal approach. Manchester United secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m early in this window but a subsequent deal for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo has been slow to develop, while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho remain at the club despite pushing for a fresh start this summer. Jordan Henderson set to join Brentford as free agent Jordan Henderson is set to return to England by signing for Brentford on a free transfer. The former Liverpool captain left Ajax after deciding not to trigger a 12-month extension to his contract with the Dutch club. And Brentford have moved for the 35-year-old as they look for a replacement for Christian Norgaard, who has joined Arsenal. Henderson, who is likely to sign a two-year contract, is expected to have a medical before completing his move to Brentford, which he hopes will enable him to keep his place in the England squad for next summer's World Cup. The midfielder, who has won 84 caps, was recalled by new England manager Thomas Tuchel, who values his experience. Jordan Henderson set for shock return to Premier League The England midfielder is set to join Brentford after leaving Ajax earlier this week Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 09:23 Arsenal agree world record £1m fee with Liverpool for Smith Arsenal have had a world-record bid accepted by Liverpool for forward Olivia Smith, which is set to make her the first £1m transfer in women's football. As first reported by the Guardian, the Gunners have beat competition from several clubs - including Women's Super League champions Chelsea - to sign the 20-year-old Canada international. Smith became Liverpool's record signing when she joined from Sporting Lisbon for just over £200,000 last year and she scored seven goals for the Reds in her debut WSL campaign. Arsenal have moved aggressively in the transfer market after winning the Women's Champions League in May and the club want to compete with Chelsea on the domestic front. Arsenal's signing of Smith will eclipse the previous world record transfer in the women's game set by Chelsea in January when they signed US international Naomi Girma for £900,000. Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 09:22 Gyokeres skips Sporting training Reports emerging that Viktor Gyokeres will miss Sporting CP's upcoming training sessions as 'he only wants Arsenal'. Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein are reporting that the Sweden striker report for preseason, with a five-year deal ready for him subject to a fee being agreed between the clubs. Gyokeres has told Sporting's president that he will not play for the club again. Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 09:22 Forest seek legal advice over Spurs' Gibbs-White approach An extraordinary story coming out of Nottingham Forest – who'd have thought? – amid reports that the club are looking to sue Tottenham over their approach for Morgan Gibbs-White. Gibbs-White was due to have a medical at Spurs today after the club triggered his £60m release clause. But Forest have reacted furiously to events and are seeking urgent legal advice to scupper the deal, reports the Telegraph. Jack Rathborn12 July 2025 09:21
