logo
Luis Enrique eyes historic PSG season as they reach Club World Cup quarters

Luis Enrique eyes historic PSG season as they reach Club World Cup quarters

Straits Times16 hours ago

Paris St Germain manager Luis Enrique said his team were making history after they brushed aside Inter Miami 4-0 in the Club World Cup last 16 on Sunday.
The French side, who have already won their domestic league, the French Cup and the Champions League, are edging closer to completing a perfect season by lifting the Club World Cup.
"This is clearly a historic season for our club, and we intend to continue making history in this competition," former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique told reporters.
The reunion with ex-Barcelona players Lionel Messi and Miami coach Javier Mascherano – both central figures during Luis Enrique's Camp Nou tenure between 2014 and 2017 – added emotional weight to what was otherwise a clinical dismantling of the MLS side.
"It was a very special game because I met people who are very important to me, people with whom we shared successes and failures," the 55-year-old Spaniard said.
When asked if he would like to coach Messi in Europe again, he said it was a question for the Argentine.
"We have all seen his qualities as a player, and he still has them. It's very difficult to play against this kind of player. It was hard, but I believe that as a team we did a really great job."
PSG's ruthless first-half display effectively settled matters before Miami found their footing after the interval.
"I think that's the first half where we really dominated the game. We didn't concede a single chance, but then in the second half, maybe because of the results, Inter Miami created more chances and got us into trouble," he added.
With Flamengo or Bayern Munich awaiting in the quarter-finals, Luis Enrique pivoted back to the task at hand.
"We have to stay focused," he insisted. "Holidays and next season are not things I'm interested in right now. We have to think about recuperating and preparing for the game in the best possible conditions." REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit
Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit

CNA

time2 hours ago

  • CNA

Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit

Botafogo have sacked manager Renato Paiva following their Club World Cup exit, the Brazilian club said, despite his side beating Champions League winners Paris St Germain earlier in the competition. Paiva's team went out at the last 16 stage with a 1-0 loss after extra-time to fellow-Brazilian club Palmeiras, and the manager has paid the price after just four months in charge. Botafogo grabbed the spotlight at the Club World Cup when they beat PSG 1-0 in the group stage, having earlier defeated Seattle Sounders, and they advanced as Group B runners-up despite a 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid. "The Club thanks Paiva and his assistants for their services to Botafogo over the last few months," a club statement on social media said. "Particularly for the historic victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup and the qualification for the round of 16 of the (Copa) Libertadores and Copa do Brasil."

Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit
Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Round of 16 - Palmeiras v Botafogo - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 28, 2025 Botafogo coach Renato Paiva at half time IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto REUTERS Botafogo have sacked manager Renato Paiva following their Club World Cup exit, the Brazilian club said, despite his side beating Champions League winners Paris St Germain earlier in the competition. Paiva's team went out at the last 16 stage with a 1-0 loss after extra-time to fellow-Brazilian club Palmeiras, and the manager has paid the price after just four months in charge. Botafogo grabbed the spotlight at the Club World Cup when they beat PSG 1-0 in the group stage, having earlier defeated Seattle Sounders, and they advanced as Group B runners-up despite a 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid. "The Club thanks Paiva and his assistants for their services to Botafogo over the last few months," a club statement on social media said. "Particularly for the historic victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup and the qualification for the round of 16 of the (Copa) Libertadores and Copa do Brasil." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Giroud excited to join Lille after LAFC exit
Giroud excited to join Lille after LAFC exit

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Giroud excited to join Lille after LAFC exit

Jun 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC forward Olivier Giroud (9) reacts to fans after a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images REUTERS French striker Olivier Giroud is set to join Ligue 1 side Lille after leaving Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. The 38-year-old, who is France's all-time top scorer with 57 goals, played for Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan before joining LAFC last year and helped them win their first Open Cup title with a goal in the final in September. LAFC announced Giroud's departure last week, midway through the MLS season. "I think this club (Lille) ticks a lot of boxes for me and my family," Giroud, who has retired from international football, told reporters on Sunday after playing his last match for LAFC, a 1-0 league loss to Vancouver Whitecaps. "I am excited because we will also play (in the) Europa League, and it's very positive. It's a big club in France, Lille. Top five." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store