PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: Luis Enrique, Head Coach of Paris Saint-Germain, looks dejected after defeat to Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
PSG face Inter Milan tonight in Munich for the Champions League final. Les Parisiens have the opportunity to win Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in their history. As far as French clubs are concerned, only PSG’s arch-rivals Marseille have won the Champions League, back in 1993. In a nod to history, Les Phocéens won the greatest prize in Munich against a Milan-based team.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique could win a second Champions League, after leading Barcelona to the top in 2015. “I’m serene“, the Spaniard said in his presser. “I’m ten years older compared to my last final. I’m trying to convey to the team what a great opportunity it is to play in a Champions League final, to make history.” Luis Enrique added that PSG are used to play in finals. As early as last week, Les Parisiens completed a domestic treble in winning the Coupe de France final against Reims (3-0). “We’ve experienced these situations before. The mental aspect is very important, but we’re used to it.”
The PSG head coach said that, given the Ligue 1 champions’ tortuous path to the final, PSG already played “early finals” in the Champions League this season. In the league phase, PSG notably faced Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid. “It’s an advantage for us. We’ve shown no fear. My biggest motivation is to mark PSG’s history, to mark a country’s history. Being the first is what motivates me the most.”
GFFN | Bastien Cheval