Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique spoke to the club’s official website about the forthcoming Club World Cup. He sees the competition as a future global benchmark, and clearly states PSG’s ambition: to go as far as possible and aim for victory against the best teams on the planet.
Luis Enrique: “I find it very attractive”.
“We’re representing France, but from a club point of view, which is going to be interesting. I’m sure it’s going to be an exciting competition.
A special competition
The difference is that, to take one example, most of the best South American players play in Europe, and I’d dare say the same goes for the best African and Asian players. Europe is the continent of the most competitive leagues and, in theory, of the best players. This will certainly have an impact on the competition, but I believe that the FIFA Club World Cup will become a benchmark in the future. I find it very attractive.
Luis Enrique “The objective is clear: to be competitive and go as far as possible”.
Will the fans be there?
Every time we’ve had the opportunity to go to Asia or another continent, we’ve been able to feel the love and support from so many people. It’s really nice to see the impact that clubs have around the world, and it’s always a pleasure to receive all this affection.
Paris Saint-Germain’s objective
The objective is the same for all competitions: to prepare to win the tournament. I think we’re one of the best clubs on the planet. The objective is clear: to be competitive, and to go as far as possible to have a chance of winning.
Luis Enrique “I think it would be logical for a European team to win this competition”.
Are the European teams favourites?
I think the favourites will mainly be the European teams. I have no doubt that if South American players were playing in Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay, South or Central American clubs, or even African teams, would have a better chance. But it’s obvious that we European clubs have an advantage, because we have the best players in Europe, but also the best in Africa, America and Asia.
I think it would be logical for a European team to win this competition. But soccer is a sport that respects no logic and where anything can happen, especially in a competition as short as the FIFA Club World Cup.”
The launch of the new Club World Cup marks a historic turning point for international soccer. For the first time, the greatest teams from every continent will be competing in a brand-new format, and it would be a real achievement for Paris Saint-Germain to add its name to the trophy cabinet.
To become the very first winner is to go down in history forever, giving the club worldwide recognition and laying a foundation stone for future generations. But this quest for glory is fraught with difficulties: the season, already very busy with national championships and the Champions League, leaves little respite for the body.
For several years now, players have been taking part in one competition after another without any real break, which is likely to take its toll both physically and mentally. This accumulation makes the Club World Cup all the more special: it will test the depth of the squad, the management of wear and tear, and the ability of clubs to transcend themselves in an unprecedented context.
For PSG, success in this context would be all the more remarkable, and would symbolize the strength of a team capable of adapting and shining, even in the midst of an overloaded schedule. The Parisian club will certainly want to be able to say “à jamais les premiers”!
