Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique says being a Barcelona fan supplies further motivation for him to assist knock Actual Madrid out of the Membership World Cup tonight.
PSG go into the final 4 tie in New York as slight favourites given their spectacular finish to the season that noticed them clinch their first Champions League crown by hammering Inter Milan 5-0 within the last.
Jour de demi-finale. ⚔️
⌚️ – 21h 🇫🇷 / 3 pm 🇺🇸 #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/OUNQGs4VAi
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) July 9, 2025
Luis Enrique has carved out a vastly profitable teaching profession after starring as a participant for Sporting Gijon, Barca and Madrid.
He made the daring determination to swap the Santiago Bernabeu for Camp Nou in 1996 and flourished in Catalonia, and says there is no such thing as a doubt the place his coronary heart lies.
He mentioned: “Enjoying in opposition to Actual Madrid is particular, surely. We wish to play most of these video games as a result of it implies that you probably did the job nicely. We’re ready to play a semi-final. It’s a essential, motivating match. We’re able to play and get to a different last.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to play in opposition to Actual Madrid, it at all times has been, as a result of we play in opposition to probably the most adored workforce on this planet, it’s large.
“And I’m a ‘Culé’, a Barça socio, so it’s at all times motivating to play in opposition to Actual Madrid.”
Luis Enrique backs Alonso to succeed at Madrid
The 55-year-old, who gained two La Ligas as a participant at Barca and two extra as coach, believes his Madrid counterpart Xabi Alonso will make Los Blancos a formidable aspect over the course of his tenure.
He added: “It’s very tough to analyse this Actual Madrid as a result of they’re beginning a brand new interval. We all know that they’re very robust individually, however that is the start of Xabi Alonso as Actual coach.
“It’s at all times tough to teach a fantastic workforce however I believe Xabi Alonso has every thing it takes to reside as much as this membership.”
Luis Enrique decided to finish season on a excessive
The Membership World Cup has attracted criticism with the blistering warmth affecting matches on the finish of a protracted season for gamers however, having come this far, Luis Enrique is decided to complete the job.
“Since our arrival on the membership, we now have all made historical past,” he mentioned. “Now, we now have the chance to win this match which solely takes place each 4 years. I sincerely assume it is going to turn into a reference, it’s a good technique to play in opposition to groups from totally different elements of the world.
“So sure we’re on the finish of the season however if you find yourself one recreation away from the ultimate, the motivation goes a lot additional.”
