FIFA Intercontinental Cup: we want to make history, says PSG coach Luis Enrique ahead of the final against Flamengo

Luis Enrique is no stranger to making history.

At FC Barcelona, ​​the Spaniard, with the Lionel Messi-Neymar-Luis Suarez trifecta, had led the team to the continental treble in 2014-2015, becoming the first European side to achieve the feat twice (the side won it in 2008-2009 under Pep Guardiola). The manager then helped Paris Saint-Germain win its first UEFA Champions League title last season.

Next Wednesday at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar, the PSG coach hopes his side will win a historic first FIFA Intercontinental Cup title when they play Brazil’s Flamengo in the final.

«It is important for us because it is the first time in history that we are playing the final of this competition. Today this title is important for everyone, for Flamengo and for us. We want to make history for our club. Winning it would mean a lot for the teams,» Enrique told reporters in a packed press conference room on Tuesday.

This will be Enrique and PSG’s fourth final in the 2025 calendar year – the team triumphed in the top matches of the Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions and Champions League. In the run-up to the Intercontinental Cup final, Enrique had told the Brazilian media that he would prefer not to face Flamengo for the trophy.

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«It has won a lot of titles. I like the way the team plays football; it is a very thoughtful team. At the Club World Cup they had some very interesting matches. Before the match we already knew how difficult it would be, but tomorrow we will be ready,» Enrique said.

The coach also ruled out Moroccan star and defender Achraf Hakimi from tomorrow’s final against the Brazilians, adding that the availability of captain Marquinhos will be decided after the team’s final training session.

For Enrique, this will not be his first bow on the sidelines in Qatar. He led Spain to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup before leading PSG to the Trophee des Champions title, which was also held here earlier this year.

«I am very happy to come here because I remember the last World Cup. Everything was so special. We are looking forward to playing in Qatar tomorrow,» he said.

Published on December 16, 2025