Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has described the upcoming Club World Cup semi-final against Real Madrid as a “special” occasion but dismissed the significance of his reunion with former PSG star Kylian Mbappe, now at the Spanish club.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the clash will take place on Wednesday night, Enrique emphasized the importance of the fixture while downplaying past tensions involving Mbappe.
“Playing against Real Madrid is always special,” Enrique stated. “We’re thrilled to be in this position. A Club World Cup semi-final is a huge achievement and a chance to fight for another title.”
This match will mark PSG’s first competitive meeting with Mbappe since the French forward’s high-profile summer switch to Real Madrid, following a season of controversy in Paris. During his final year at PSG, Mbappe was benched for refusing to sign a contract extension and saw limited playing time as a result.
Asked about the nature of his relationship with Mbappe, Enrique responded, “That belongs in the past. We’re focused on the present. This game is important on its own merit—we are one step away from another final, and that’s our motivation.”
PSG, fresh off winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, are chasing more silverware to cap a historic season. However, they will be without defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both suspended following red cards in their dramatic quarter-final win over Bayern Munich.
On the opposite side, Real Madrid are entering a new chapter under freshly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso. The Spanish legend was unable to address the media after Madrid’s travel plans were disrupted by severe weather in Florida, delaying their flight to New York.
Enrique, who once played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, had warm words for his former Spain teammate.
“Real Madrid are the most successful club in the world. Xabi is just starting out in this role, but he has everything needed to succeed. It’s always a pleasure to face them,” he said.
The winner of Wednesday’s match will face Chelsea in Sunday’s final. The Premier League side secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Brazilian club Fluminense in the other semi-final.
