"We want 11 stars." Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), led by manager Luis Enrique (55), is set to compete in the Club World Cup final to cap off a perfect season.
ESPN reported on the 12th (Korea time) that "Manager Luis Enrique emphasized that PSG's victory in the Club World Cup would be the 'icing on the cake' of this incredible season."
Having already claimed the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France titles, PSG will face Chelsea in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 4 a.m. on the 14th (Korea time).
Manager Luis Enrique noted, "We have become the world's best team even after stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar left. Now we are a team with 11 stars, not just a single superstar," emphasizing the team's collective success.
He stated, "PSG is now a team above individual players. We want stars, but they are stars as a team. Every fan at Parc des Princes is a star, and we hope to embody that spirit on the pitch."
He added, "We may lose someday. However, thanks to this philosophy, we have reached the top."
PSG advanced to the final in this tournament by defeating Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid in succession. Notably, they proved their overwhelming skill by crushing Real 4-0 in the semifinals and dominating Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final for the 2024-2025 season.
Enrique did not let his guard down. He warned, "Chelsea is the Europa Conference League champions and a growing team. Manager Enzo Maresca is always attacking and the pressing is excellent. If you think this game will be easy, you don't know football."
"We definitely want to win this match. We want to finish this season in the best way possible. However, Chelsea is a high-level team and shows strength in defense. This final may be harder than we think," he added.
PSG captain Marquinhos also expressed a strong desire for victory. He said, "We all know the significance of this tournament. It's an opportunity that comes once every four years, and it could be a moment that remains in the club's history. We have been well-prepared and definitely want to claim this title."
Marquinhos, who transferred to PSG from AS Roma in 2013, stated, "This team is the strongest I have experienced among several teams at PSG. Of course, I have played with legends like Mbappé, Messi, Neymar, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Some of them have won more titles than the current players, but in terms of collective results and substance, this is the best team now."
PSG overcame the criticism of being a 'star team' with collectivism this season. Now, only the final victory remains. And that victory will be an official declaration proving that PSG is the true 'best club in the world.'
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