Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) head coach Luis Enrique has declined to comment on former player Kylian Mbappé ahead of his team’s high-stakes FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Enrique brushed aside comparisons between his current UEFA Champions League-winning squad and previous lineups that included Mbappé.
“This is a question about the past, and I’m only focused on the future,” he said when asked if PSG is stronger without the French forward.
A Tense Final Season
Enrique coached Mbappé during the 2023–24 campaign, a tumultuous year in which the French international was initially excluded from the squad after refusing to renew his contract. Though later reintegrated, Mbappé was used sparingly before confirming his departure to Real Madrid in June 2024.
“All I can say is that [Mbappé’s final season at PSG] belongs in the past. It is behind us now,” Enrique added.
Still, he admitted that the upcoming match against Real Madrid—and Mbappé—adds extra intensity:
“Facing the most successful club in the world is definitely extra motivation.”
Tough Conditions in New Jersey
PSG will be playing in scorching heat at MetLife Stadium, with temperatures expected to exceed 35°C (95°F) and humidity above 54%. Similar conditions during Tuesday’s semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense prompted a National Weather Service warning.
“We’re used to it at this point. It’s been like this throughout the tournament,” Enrique said. “It’s hard on the players and not ideal for the quality of football, but both teams face the same challenge.”
Eyeing the Final
Despite the heat, Enrique is focused on the task at hand.
“Playing against Real Madrid is always special,” he said. “Games like this are the reward for the work you’ve put in. If you’re in a semifinal, it means you’ve done something right.”
The winner of the PSG–Real Madrid showdown will face Chelsea in Sunday’s final. The Premier League club advanced with a 2–0 win over Fluminense, thanks to two goals from summer signing Joao Pedro.
