"It won't be easy"—PSG Coach Luis Enrique has Revealed Why Facing Chelsea in the club world cup Final Won’t Be Easy
The PSG boss praises Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea for their physical strength, team unity, and tactical style, admitting the clash will be tightly contested.
Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has opened up about the challenge his side will face against Chelsea, warning that anyone expecting an easy win knows little about football.
The Spanish manager was full of praise for the Blues ahead of their much-anticipated showdown, making it clear that he views Enzo Maresca’s side as a serious threat.
“Anyone who thinks this match is going to be a formality doesn’t know anything about football,” Enrique said in an interview with L’Équipe. “I analyzed this Chelsea team — they won the Conference League. I like Enzo Maresca very much.”
Chelsea’s impressive end to last season — including lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy — has clearly caught the attention of Enrique and others across Europe.
Since taking charge, Enzo Maresca has tried to shape Chelsea into a modern, ball-playing side, building from the back and using high pressing tactics. It’s a style Enrique respects.
“He likes to go back from behind, put on dry cleaning, attack — it’s a very complete team,” Enrique added. “It’s not going to be easy. We’re going to start this game with 100%.”
The phrase “put on dry cleaning” appears to be a playful translation, likely referring to Chelsea’s ability to apply high pressure — cleanly and aggressively — when out of possession.
The PSG boss didn’t stop there. In another part of the interview, Enrique emphasized Chelsea’s physical strength and unity on the pitch, saying they are more than just a team full of talented individuals.
“I like the way they play. There are many individualities, but when they have to defend, they know how to put pressure on,” he said.
“I think it will be a close game. Physically, they’re very strong too. We’re similar teams in the main aspects of the game. We’re ready, they’re ready.”
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season and are coming into the new campaign with confidence. Their young squad — featuring stars like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Levi Colwill — has grown in maturity and experience, and many are expecting them to challenge for bigger titles this year.
