Luis Enrique reveals his "greatest motivation" and praises Dembelé
Before the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Munich, PSG coach Luis Enrique revealed what motivates him most and why Ousmane Dembelé is the best.
Preparing for the Champions League final: Ousmane Dembelé and Luis Enrique (right). IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire
Luis Enrique knows exactly what it feels like to win the Champions League. Exactly ten years ago, as coach of FC Barcelona, he won the final against Juventus Turin (3-1) in Berlin, thus immortalizing himself in Barcelona – only Johann Cruyff (1991/92), Frank Rijkaard (2005/06), and Pep Guardiola (2008/09 and 2010/11) had achieved this before him. In Paris, the Spaniard would be the first coach to lead the club to this supreme achievement.
And that's what drives him. "My greatest motivation is to make history in Paris, to make history for a country. Being first is what motivates me most," the 55-year-old said on Friday, revealing that he's "trying to convey to the team what a great opportunity it is to play in this Champions League final" and, if they win, to achieve something "that no one else" has ever done with this club.
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For Luis Enrique, it's clear that his team is undoubtedly "ready." Unlike his Milan counterpart Simone Inzaghi , he doesn't see a lack of experience among his young players; rather, the Spaniard pointed out that his team has successfully completed numerous difficult matches.
"The mental aspect is very important, but we're used to it," said Luis Enrique: "We've played in finals that were eagerly awaited, and we didn't show any fear. We're a team used to playing in finals. We're used to situations like this."
Inter will also challenge Paris because of their style of playing with two nominal strikers, Luis Enrique knows, admitting that this will have an impact on "our pressing," but at the same time stressing: "We will not change our attacking and defensive style except for nuances. The problem is that Inter has many first-class attacking and defensive players."
Great praise for DembeléBut the Parisians also boast top-class players, such as Ousmane Dembelé , who has scored 29 goals in 43 league and Champions League matches this season. "Ousmane was one of the best, if not the best," the coach praised his lightning-fast attacker, adding: "He's a leader, he's the type who leads by example. I'm glad I put my trust in him."
The 28-year-old former Dortmund player emphasized that he has dreamed of playing in the Champions League final since childhood. While it's the Frenchman's first final in the premier class, he can draw on his experience from his two World Cup final appearances (2018 and 2022) – and therefore knows how important it is to put aside personal vanity and focus entirely "on the game and the team. We have to keep our emotions in check and stay calm."
But one thing is clear for Dembelé: "We have to be focused and consistent throughout the game, because a slight lapse in concentration could cost us dearly. Inter are a very good team."
