Luis Enrique, the head coach of PSG, is preparing for an electrifying semifinal matchup. PSG is taking on Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup. There’s more—this interaction is truly special! This will be the first occasion that PSG have gone up against the French striker since his transfer to Real Madrid in June 2024. We are excited that the match will be played in New Jersey. Expect temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) with over 54 percent humidity, prompting the National Weather Service to alert a heat index of nearly 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit).
Luis Enrique, who coached Mbappe last year in the latter’s final season with PSG in 2023-24, would lure the enigmatic frontman back. The TFC 2 team is looking forward to this important game. In the interim, Enrique has successfully sidestepped questions about juxtaposing his new team with the one that once included the French star. To be fair, he did stress his intentions to look to the future and not focus on the past.
“This is a question about the past and I’m not here to talk about the past, I’m only thinking about the future,” Enrique stated when asked about Mbappe’s impact on the team.
With a hotly-anticipated Champions League group stage match against Real Madrid on the cusp, that’s no small challenge. “Playing against the most successful team in the world is definitely extra motivation,” Enrique remarked, highlighting the prestige of facing a club with such a rich history in international football. It surely won’t be lost on the talented coach that this will be a unique match for both teams.
As PSG adjusts to the challenging weather conditions expected during the match, Enrique noted, “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.” His remarks reveal the deep intentionality of his focus. Like any good team, they’re prepared to overcome any challenge they might face on game day.
PSG’s route to this semifinal has not been without its hurdles. After opting not to sign an extension, Kylian Mbappe was cast out by PSG at first. Later, once he’d made clear he would be departing, he was used more often—but even then, sparingly. Despite these challenges, Enrique’s focus remains on the strengths of his current squad and their collective ability to compete at such high levels.
The most special match, without question, will be against Real Madrid. 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 semifinal, Enrique wrapped up, a powerful reminder of how much this game means to his side, as well as their hopes in the tournament.
PSG are set to face Real Madrid in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Fans and analysts are counting down the days to this historic and highly-competitive rematch!
