The Intercontinental Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Flamengo this Wednesday (kick-off at 6 p.m., CET) is off to a slow start, as the match-up was only announced on Saturday after the Brazilian side’s victory against Pyramids FC. Filipe Luis, former Atlético Madrid and Brazil full-back, now with Flamengo, was the first to fully discuss the match. He didn’t hide his admiration for Luis Enrique’s PSG.
Filipe Luis: “I admire them even more than before.”
“Every opponent is different, but PSG is the best team in the world. They proved it by winning the Champions League. They’re participating in this tournament because they’re the best, and we, with all the humility in the world, are going to try to win and make history.”
“Luis Enrique has created a fantastic team; it’s his team, and the players embrace this philosophy.” Winning titles with different clubs is extremely difficult, and I admire him immensely. On the pitch, we had our disagreements; I was even sent off against his Barça, against Messi, but today, I see everything he has accomplished. And when I see that, I admire him even more than before.
Filipe Luis: “Our only chance of beating this opponent is to play a perfect match.”
“I’m sure many teams have managed to neutralize PSG, but I’m also sure we’ll have to learn to suffer. They’re a team with great technical quality, and we’ll be chasing the ball. Luis Enrique’s team is impressive. I hope to shake his hand before the match. We’re facing the Champions League winner, with the best coach and the best team in the world. Our only chance of beating this opponent is to play a perfect match,” as reported by Foot Mercato.
Undeniably, Paris and Luis Enrique have earned the respect of the football world. Opponents are often full of praise. However, this has a disadvantage for PSG: they are also under intense scrutiny and scrutiny. They must maintain a very high standard and continue to improve in order to keep winning.
This is something coach Luis Enrique has emphasized a great deal since this summer. And we are seeing changes, including improvements in set pieces, whether taken directly or as a short pass. Another top-level performance will be needed to secure a victory this Wednesday.
Filipe Luis can appreciate PSG’s style of play and highlight the work of the Spanish coach, but he is also preparing his team to win. And they possess qualities that should not be underestimated. Flamengo didn’t get here by chance and will play their hearts out to “make history.” It’s up to the Parisians to show the same determination so that their qualities can make the difference.
