Enrique Reflects on Post-Match Incident, Suggests It Could Have Been Avoided

EAST RUTHERFORD: Following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on Sunday, manager Luis Enrique commented that the post-game confrontation could have been averted by all parties involved.

Cole Palmer’s outstanding performance in the first half included two goals and an assist to Joao Pedro, solidifying Chelsea’s victory.

Late in the match, tensions flared, resulting in PSG being reduced to 10 players. Joao Neves was ejected in the 85th minute after a VAR review showed him pulling defender Marc Cucurella’s hair.

After the final whistle, animosity intensified, leading to a clash between players from both teams. PSG’s head coach Enrique appeared to raise his hands toward Pedro’s face, who then fell. Enrique was then escorted away from the field.

Enrique expressed his view that the closing moments of the game were avoidable.

Manager’s Remarks

“I think the situation that took place at the end of the match could have been avoided,” stated Luis Enrique.

“My goal is always to encourage players to prevent further issues. There is considerable internal tension and pressure.”

The PSG coach acknowledged the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“Following that, there was a series of pushes from various individuals, which I believe should be avoided and not repeated,” he added.

The match was largely dominated by Chelsea, with the European Cup and French league champions underperforming after their 4-0 victory against Real Madrid in the semi-final of the expanded 32-team tournament.

Enrique remarked that the unpredictable nature of football prevents full explanations and praised the opposing team.

“That’s football. You can’t explain everything,” Luis Enrique commented.

“I thought they initiated the game with great intensity, putting pressure on us, and we made it difficult for them. Subsequently, they had opportunities to score, but it didn’t happen.”