Luis Enrique backs Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid's World Cup debacle: "He's proven his worth."

Despite PSG's 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi-final, Spanish coach Luis Enrique wanted to have a few kind words for Xabi Alonso , who thus bids farewell to his first adventure with Real Madrid in the dugout.

"It was the difference in the score, which was the most important thing. They are two different projects; ours in Paris has been going for two seasons, Xabi's has just begun, " he began, referring to Real Madrid.

He also dismissed the blame on the Tolosa coach: " He's proven his level wherever he's been ; he needs the time to complete preseason. There's no need to judge why he hasn't had time to work or do anything; these are incomparable situations."

Regarding his team's performance, the PSG coach attributed it to "the unsurpassed quality and ambition of my players, to their generosity" and emphasized: "This team has been labeled as not scoring goals, as not having a leader , in the first Champions League matches."

"The team has proven itself beyond compare. It doesn't matter who plays. This is the first game I've had our best player, Dembélé, fit to play. He's a decisive player, beautiful to watch," he added.

On the other hand, 'Lucho' acknowledged the special quality of his full-backs. "The two best full-backs in the world. Each one plays a different role within our team, but everyone has to attack and defend , not just the full-backs. It's something that represents PSG very well, the idea of ​​everyone working together, in attack and defense," he commented.

"Since I'm at a club with very good financial means, we can sign very good players, and those players always depend on the team , which has been the key for PSG over the past two seasons. Hakimi has freedom, and Nuno has a lot of attacking ability, but there isn't enough room for everyone," he added.

The PSG coach was also asked about the Ballon d'Or and his team's chances of continuing to make history. " As for the Ballon d'Or, there are several players who could deserve it. If there's one player who's done it all, it's Dembélé; he's far ahead of any other player," he noted.

"It was a goal we had from the beginning. We're just one game away from making history in Paris, as a French club capable of winning every tournament we've entered . It means a lot to us, and it's a pleasure for me to work for Paris," he added.

"My phone is full of messages from Barça fans congratulating me. When you play against the big teams, you give 100% because you represent a club, a shirt, an idea, and because we all know that Real Madrid has been, is, and will be great. We tried our best to play our game, we didn't slow down, but there were players who, because of the heat and because we're going to play in a World Cup final, needed rest. There was a risk of extreme fatigue," he concluded.