PSG aims for the Club World Cup after thrashing Atlético: Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique: PSG Eyes the Club World Cup

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has stated that his team is “hungry” to add the Club World Cup to their Champions League success, after defeating Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the opening match of Group B. Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha scored for PSG in the first half at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, while substitutes Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-In, with a penalty, added two more goals at the end of the match, after Atlético defender Clément Lenglet was sent off. The PSG won the treble last season, conquering Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, after defeating Inter 5-0 in the final last month.

We aimed to make history this season, but this [the Club World Cup] is a new chapter. It’s a pleasant challenge for the players and the team, wanting to keep winning.

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique added that the club, the fans, the players, and the team are hungry for victory, which he considers a good sign. The coach is not worried about being the favorite, but the goal is to go as far as possible and try to win the tournament. The match was played before a crowd of 80,619 spectators at the Rose Bowl, which organizers pointed out as a season attendance record for both clubs.

Atlético coach Diego Simeone did not blame the midday heat for his players’ performance.

When the season starts in August [in Madrid], it’s just as hot. I won’t blame the heat. It’s the same for both teams.

Diego Simeone

Simeone praised PSG as a great, young team with good players, who have now established themselves as a solid team. Atlético improved in the second half, where Julián Álvarez had a goal disallowed after a VAR review for a previous foul, and substitute Alexander Sorloth missed a clear opportunity.

In the first half we didn’t play as we should have. They played very well. Even when we won the ball, we couldn’t escape their pressure.

Diego Simeone

Simeone added that the team competed despite the hard defeat, and that they are now obliged to obtain good results in the next matches. Atlético will play against the Seattle Sounders on June 19 in Seattle, while PSG will face Botafogo from Brazil, also at the Rose Bowl.