Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique refused to be drawn into comparisons between his Champions League-winning squad and the group that beforehand featured Kylian Mbappé, forward of Wednesday’s Membership World Cup semifinal conflict together with his former star’s new membership Real Madrid.
“It is a query concerning the previous and I am not right here to speak concerning the previous, I am solely desirous about the long run,” Luis Enrique informed a information convention when requested if his PSG are a greater group now with out Mbappé than after they had the France captain of their squad earlier than his free switch to Actual Madrid final yr.
The Spanish coach did acknowledge that going through his former participant provides spice to the encounter, saying that “taking part in towards probably the most profitable group on this planet” is “undoubtedly further motivation.”
PSG will once more must cope with brutal circumstances in New Jersey, with a day kickoff in scorching warmth after temperatures in Tuesday’s semifinal between Chelsea and Fluminense soared previous 35 levels Celsius (95 levels Fahrenheit) with over 54% humidity, prompting a Nationwide Climate Service warning.
“We’re getting used to it. Enjoying in these circumstances, as a result of that is been the norm throughout the World Cup. It’s going to be enterprise as standard,” Luis Enrique mentioned. “It isn’t good for the spectacle as a result of it is tough to play in that place. It is the identical for each groups.”
Regardless of the difficult circumstances, the previous Barcelona boss is relishing the high-stakes encounter.
“Enjoying towards Actual Madrid will likely be a particular match, little question about it. On the similar time, we like taking part in these sorts of video games as a result of it means you have completed your job effectively and also you’re ready to play in a semifinal,” he mentioned.
The winner will face Chelsea in Sunday’s ultimate, after the Premier League facet secured their place with a 2-0 victory over Fluminense on Tuesday, courtesy of newcomer João Pedro‘s brace.