A meeting under the sign of reunion. The 8th final of the World Cup of clubs between PSG and Inter Miami, this Sunday in Atlanta (6 pm), is not just a confrontation between the European champions and the champions of the European Messi. The coaches of the two teams also know each other very well with Javier Mascherano, which was under the leadership of Luis Enrique for three seasons at FC Barcelona (2014-2017).
At a pressurized press conference, the Argentinian technician wanted to pay a sincere and authentic tribute to the one he considers as an exceptional coach and even more than that.
“Luis Enrique is probably one of my best coaches. I wear it in my heart, said Inter Miami coach. He is a very great coach, it has been demonstrated, whether in Barcelona, PSG, in selection, he has a lot of experience. He’s a friend, we have a relationship that goes beyond football. I am delighted to see him again. Before Barça, I did not know him that much, but after working with him, I can say that he really marked me, he marked the spirits in the best way. I’m really happy for him. »»
“PSG? A single power rival »
Javier Mascherano also expressed his joy at competing in this prestigious meeting, one of the most important in the young story of the club based in Florida. He expects to see his team suffer against the European champions but hopes to create a surprise.
“We are going to face a single power rival, the best in the world,” says the Argentinian technician. But why not play the best possible game and make a perfect match? Of course, we are the weakest team. But we’re going to fight, we can’t defeat. You have to answer present. There is the possibility that we are creating an opportunity to fight and perhaps getting out of this 8th. Do not think that it is played in advance. Let us take advantage of this opportunity. »»
The former Barça player has repeated several times not to want to go defeatist, convinced that his players could take advantage of the small flaws offered by Marquinhos’ partners. “We can do it,” says Mascherano. We have two arms, two legs, like them. The most important thing for tomorrow is to make the best game possible, we have the opportunity to play a match against a team that has enormous energy. But it is not perfect, if we can tickle it, annoy it, do it. Let us take advantage of the few opportunities that we will have to tickle them. We hope to rebalance the forces of this match. »»
