East Rutherford, N.J. — Luis Enrique expressed confidence that Paris Saint-Germain’s “team of teams” can add the “finishing touch” to their remarkable season by winning the FIFA Club World Cup final, having already established themselves as the top team globally with star players like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
PSG triumphed over Chelsea in the final at MetLife Stadium, claiming the Club World Cup title for the 2024-25 season along with their victories in the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France.
With this victory, Enrique’s squad is being recognized as the premier club in the world, solidifying their elite status.
After rejuvenating PSG post the departure of several superstar players, former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique emphasized that the team’s success stems from having not just one standout player, but a collective of stars.
“We have 11 stars—it’s football,” Enrique explained to reporters. “It’s not about featuring a single main player; we aspire to have 11 or even 14-15 standout players committed to our cause.
“Our goal is to have a constellation of stars. There’s not just one PSG fan playing as a star; the whole Parc des Princes is our star, and that culture should be reflected on the pitch.
“This team’s strength lies in its unity, and while we may lose at times, we are committed to success.”
PSG secured their spot in the final with a commanding 4-0 win against Real Madrid, who had previously knocked out heavyweights Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the tournament.
Following their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final earlier in the season, Enrique acknowledged the significance of defeating Chelsea to cap off an already historic campaign.
“This was our final match of the season, and we felt confident,” said Enrique. “It’s crucial for us to conclude this historic season on a high note.
“We’ve achieved something remarkable and made history. Winning this match would be the cherry on top.
“Yet, it’s important to understand this game won’t be easy; Chelsea is a formidable opponent. They recently won the conference league and are developing into a strong team. I have great admiration for Enzo Maresca as their coach; they press effectively and play offensively. This is not just an old-fashioned matchup.
“Recognizing the difficulty of this challenge is vital. Chelsea boasts talented players who can defend under pressure, and they match us well.”
PSG captain Marquinhos emphasized the importance of seizing the chance to become world champions, highlighting the rarity of such an opportunity for the club.
“We understand the significance of this game,” he stated. “It offers a unique competitive chance that comes around every four years.
“Every match tells its own story, and our club is ready to fight for this title, thanks to our coaches’ thorough preparation.”
“In finals, it often comes down to a 50-50 chance, but we are definitely fixated on securing this title,” he added.
Having joined PSG from Roma in 2013, the 31-year-old Marquinhos has witnessed the club’s evolution from a star-studded ensemble to the modern powerhouse led by Luis Enrique.
Despite having played alongside luminaries like Mbappé, Neymar, Messi, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, Marquinhos asserts that today’s team stands out as the best.
“We’ve reached exceptional levels over the last few months,” he noted. “Being part of this team is an honor, and it’s incredibly strong.
“When I think about the outcomes, this is unquestionably the finest team I’ve been a part of at PSG. While I’ve played with incredible talents who have achieved great success, this squad prioritizes collective strength.”
“Reflecting on my journey, playing alongside my idols was thrilling, but in terms of achievements and titles, this team exemplifies the best we’ve experienced.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights PSG’s transition to a cohesive, star-studded team that prioritizes collective success over individual accolades. A victory in the Club World Cup would not only solidify their dominance but also set a new standard for teamwork in modern football, encouraging other clubs to follow suit.
