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🔥 Mbappe Talk Shunned: Enrique Puts the Past Behind Him
Ahead of a sizzling Champions League semi-final showdown with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique shunned all talk of Kylian Mbappe and refused to make comparisons between the current squad and that which had Mbappe at one stage.

Mbappe, who left PSG on a free transfer to Real Madrid last summer after a long contract saga, is in for a charged reunion at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday. The transfer, which outraged PSG supporters, was a devastating blow at the time—yet has turned out to be a turning point in PSG’s pursuit of European dominance.

“This is a question about the past, and I’m not here to talk about the past. I’m only thinking about the future,” Enrique said at Tuesday’s press conference, shutting down comparisons with his former talisman.

💥 From Individual Brilliance to Collective Power

Mbappe’s exit made it possible for Enrique to rebuild PSG into a championship-winning force, taking the focus away from individual brilliance and towards a more balanced, team-minded strategy. That transformation paid off when PSG finally claimed their coveted Champions League title, and now again qualify for the final stages having refined and consolidated stronger than ever before.

Despite threats of an antagonistic reception for Mbappe by visiting PSG supporters, Enrique reaffirmed professionalism and resolve in the buildup to the showdown.

🗣️“Extra Motivation” to Play Real Madrid

Enrique saw the emotional significance of the match—not necessarily due to Mbappe, but due to the standing of their opponents.

“Playing against Real Madrid will be a special game, no question about that,” he said.
“Meanwhile, we prefer these kind of games—it means you’ve done your work well and you’re in a position to play in a semi-final.”.

The Spanish manager hailed Real Madrid as the “world’s most successful club”, calling them a stern test and motivational force for his team.

🔄Hakimi vs Trent? Enrique Won’t Take the Bait
Enrique also would not be drawn on comparisons between Achraf Hakimi and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid’s marquee summer signing from Liverpool. As with Mbappe, the England star joined Madrid on a free transfer, fueling further controversy about recruitment tactics.

“I don’t like to compare players because in this competition, they’re all top level,” Enrique said.
“But I will say—Hakimi is certainly one of the best right-backs that I’ve worked with or even watched.”

 🏆Final Spot on the Line
Just Enrique addressed the media on Tuesday evening, with Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso’s press conference canceled because the team had a late arrival in New Jersey.

The stakes are as high as they ever were. The victor in this semi-final battle will meet Chelsea on Sunday’s final, following their 2-0 thrashing of Fluminense, led by new signing Joao Pedro, who scored an incredible double.