On Wednesday, in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup final, Paris Saint-Germain will face Flamengo at the Ahmad-ben-Ali Al Rayyan Stadium in Doha, Qatar (kick-off at 6 p.m., CET). On the eve of this match, PSG coach Luis Enrique answered several questions at a press conference.
Luis Enrique: “This means a lot to us.”
Awareness of the possibility of making football history?
There are few opportunities to play in this final. We are aware of the importance of the match. It’s wonderful to be playing in this final. It means a lot to us. We’re happy to be here.
A year ago, our place in the Champions League was uncertain. What’s your perspective on your journey so far? Where are you in the season?
A year ago, we were on the path to get to this point. There are some very positive memories from this past season. It was important to overcome what we went through. I’m mainly thinking about continuity, compared to last year. It’s time to play in this final. It’s important for the club and the fans, and we’re happy to have this opportunity. It will be a difficult final.
Luis Enrique: “We had some problems at the beginning of the season, and the team has shown the right mentality.”
A fourth international final in 2025, is the adrenaline still the same? Does it give you a greater ability to cope?
It’s a very clear motivation. Making history in Paris was the goal, and it still is this season. Every final is different. It’s special; you have to be focused throughout the entire match. Every action can be important and decisive.
You have to be in control, with the right motivation for the match. We’re ready. We had some problems at the beginning of the season, and the team has shown the right mentality. It will be difficult; Flamengo has a very good team. It will be close.
Can Marquinhos start tomorrow?
He missed today’s training session, but he’s ready. We’ll see afterward, and tomorrow we’ll decide whether he’ll be in the starting lineup or not.
Luis Enrique: “The important moments are coming.”
Is the difficult period over? Is the infirmary emptying?
We don’t know, it’s impossible to know. What we’ve shown these last four months is our ability to overcome different situations. I can’t guarantee anything. We’re happy that the holidays are coming, that we can enjoy them with our families. We’re starting 2026 by enjoying ourselves together. The important moments are coming.
Flamengo is at the end of their season, you’re at the halfway point. Does that change anything in your preparation?
They’re different times, of course. They’ve won trophies, they’re in a very good moment, I like the way they play football. The team is working very well. We already saw that during the Club World Cup. They’re an interesting and difficult team. We know there are challenges and we want to be ready.
Luis Enrique: “We always want to continue making history.”
A very important trophy in South America, less so in Europe. What is its value for Paris?
It’s very difficult to know where to place this trophy. When you’re a big club, if you lose, it’s always very important. If you win, it depends. It’s the first time PSG has played, so it’s important. It’s very important for both Paris and Flamengo.
Where exactly to place it is difficult. But we always want to continue making history. Winning the first time would be historic. It’s a great motivation. I don’t think there will be any more motivation from the other team.
Luis Enrique: “Playing a Brazilian team in the final isn’t good news.”
Is the gap narrowing between football in America and Europe?
We saw the level during the summer. But that’s not very important. What matters is tomorrow’s match. We know there’s a top team on the other side, a team that has troubled Chelsea and Bayern Munich. There are experienced players, players with talent.
I don’t think it’s important to know the gap or not. The match won’t provide the answer. Playing a Brazilian team in the final isn’t good news. We’ll have to give our best. The small details will count. We’re highly motivated, with the desire to win.
Dembélé winning the Ballon d’Or, did he deserve it? Does that change things?
Of course, he deserved it. But it’s not my decision.
Luis Enrique: “We are preparing for this match in the best possible way, knowing that Flamengo is a very good team.”
Did the defeat against Botafogo during the World Cup influence your preparation?
The match was very close; they defended a lot, as we often face them. Flamengo plays differently. They know how to play out from the back and press very high. They are a physically strong and very experienced team. It will be difficult to control possession. It will be an exciting final, with two teams of similar style.
How important is this trophy? What do you see the atmosphere like for this match?
I am very happy to be here; I remember the World Cup. The atmosphere was very special. We are preparing for this match in the best possible way, knowing that Flamengo is a very good team.
What does the future hold for coach Filipe Luis?
I don’t know. I can’t think about the future careers of other coaches. What I do know is that I knew him as a player. I hope he starts off brilliantly. I like the way his team plays, his language on the sidelines. I’m happy to be facing him.
