Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique says being a Barcelona fan provides extra motivation for him to help knock Real Madrid out of the Club World Cup tonight.
PSG go into the last four tie in New York as slight favourites given their impressive end to the season that saw them clinch their first Champions League crown by hammering Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
Semi-final day. ⚔️
⌚️ – 21h 🇫🇷 / 3 pm 🇺🇸 #Fifacwc pic.twitter.com/OUNQGs4VAi
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) July 9, 2025
Luis Enrique has carved out a hugely successful coaching career after starring as a player for Sporting Gijon, Barca and Madrid.
He made the bold decision to swap the Santiago Bernabeu for Camp Nou in 1996 and flourished in Catalonia, and says there is no doubt where his heart lies.
He said: “Playing against Real Madrid is special, without a doubt. We like to play these types of games because it means that you did the job well. We are in a position to play a semi-final. It is a very important, motivating match. We are ready to play and get to another final.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to play against Real Madrid, it always has been, because we play against the most adored team in the world, it’s huge.
“And I am a ‘Culé’, a Barça socio, so it is always motivating to play against Real Madrid.”
Luis Enrique backs Alonso to succeed at Madrid
The 55-year-old, who won two La Ligas as a player at Barca and two more as coach, believes his Madrid counterpart Xabi Alonso will make Los Blancos a formidable side over the course of his tenure.
He added: “It’s very difficult to analyse this Real Madrid because they are starting a new period. We know that they are very strong individually, but this is the beginning of Xabi Alonso as Real coach.
“It’s always difficult to coach a great team but I think Xabi Alonso has everything it takes to live up to this club.”
Luis Enrique determined to end season on a high
The Club World Cup has attracted criticism with the blistering heat affecting matches at the end of a long season for players but, having come this far, Luis Enrique is determined to finish the job.
“Since our arrival at the club, we have all made history,” he said. “Now, we have the opportunity to win this tournament which only takes place every four years. I sincerely think it will become a reference, it is a good way to play against teams from different parts of the world.
“So yes we are at the end of the season but when you are one game away from the final, the motivation goes much further.”
