'Victim' of the slap speaks up, PSG boss still absolutely protects coach Enrique

PSG president Al-Khelaifi has defended coach Luis Enrique despite the French team's heavy 0-3 loss to Chelsea in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. Meanwhile, striker Joao Pedro has also shared his thoughts on the post-match controversy.

"Coach Luis Enrique is the most disciplined in the world and should be respected"

Although rated higher in the final, PSG lost 0-3 to Chelsea quickly. More importantly, the French capital team conceded 3 goals in the first half despite having twice as much possession as their opponents. This defeat prevented PSG from equaling the record of winning 6 titles in a season that Barcelona set in 2009.

Notably, in the final, Mr. Al-Khelaifi was present and watched the entire match. When PSG lost 3 goals in the first half, the television camera continuously captured the Qatari celebrity's annoyed expression. Not stopping there, when the award ceremony ended, the PSG President suddenly went to the mixed zone. This is considered an unusual gesture by the team officials, because at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, the mixed zone is the space mainly for players or coaches to quickly answer the media.

President Trump and Coach Enrique 'dominate the airwaves' after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final

Mr. Al-Khelaifi suddenly appeared and answered the media

PHOTO: REUTERS

Mr. Al-Khelaifi sent congratulations to Chelsea: “Congratulations to Chelsea. They deserved this victory. We can still be proud of what PSG has done this season. Of course, our goal is to win the Club World Cup but everything is not easy. Our players gave their all, they were really tired.”

However, things did not stop there. According to Marca , the 55-year-old President took the initiative to mention the ugly actions of coach Luis Enrique with Chelsea striker Joao Pedro. Before that, when the final whistle had just sounded, coach Luis Enrique appeared on the field and slapped the opponent player in the face. Mr. Al-Khelaifi shared: "He came to stop the fight but got caught up in it. The coach also deserves respect."

The PSG president expressed that the team still has absolute trust in the Spanish coach, especially in future plans. He emphasized: "We have the most disciplined and respected coach in the world, Luis Enrique. PSG still has absolute trust and protection for him."

Coach Luis Enrique (left) is still absolutely protected

PHOTO: REUTERS

“We had a great season, arguably the best in the club’s history. We are proud of the players and the coaching staff. This defeat is good for PSG, for next season. It is important to stay humble. At the moment, PSG is the youngest team in the league. Now it is time to rest, the players will relax after a long and stressful season. The PSG board is really proud of last season, it was really memorable. It is true that we lost a final, but I am still proud of this team,” Al-Khelaifi added.

What did the Chelsea striker who was slapped by coach Henrique say?

After the celebration with Chelsea, striker Joao Pedro also had a quick interview with Brazilian channel Sports TV. In the final minutes, Chelsea's new player made things more tense when he clashed with coach Luis Enrique.

Coach Luis Enrique was stopped by a player after he slapped Joao Pedro in the face

PHOTO: REUTERS

The Chelsea number 20 said: “I went to defend Andrey Santos. I saw the players surrounding him. Like a true Brazilian, I went to defend a friend. A lot of people came, and in that chaos, I got pushed in the face. That's part of the game. I think PSG don't know how to accept a defeat. Chelsea won and now we have to enjoy it.”

Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ live and only in Vietnam onFPT Play, at http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nan-nhan-cua-cu-tat-len-tieng-sep-lon-psg-van-bao-ve-tuyet-doi-hlv-enrique-185250714122202081.htm