ATLANTA -- Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique warned his players against ignoring the offensive threats of Inter Miami in Sunday's Club World Cup round-of-16 match, emphasizing the damage that can be done by experienced stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
"Anyone who relaxes for 10 seconds in football already knows where they are. It's not like there's no doubt they have the level and the quality, because they haven't lost that. I've seen all three of Inter Miami's games and some previous ones, and they have that quality. If we're not able to press them, it will be difficult to pressure them," Luis Enrique told reporters on Saturday.
"If we're not able to take the ball away from them, things don't look good because Busquets is still the same; Leo Messi is unique on the ball. Luis Suárez, you saw the last goal he scored, what a skill for managing, Jordi Alba coming in deep, he's still the same.
"We all know Leo's pass to Jordi in the world of football, but it happens again and continues to happen every game, and if they have a coach like Mascherano, it's clear that either we give a great performance and maintain the necessary level of intensity, or they'll win the game, easy, there's no doubt about that.
"There's no better place to compete than this wonderful stadium, in front of a team that still has a man named Leo Messi, who is a role model not only for all of us who are Culérs [Barcelona supporters] and have enjoyed Leo for many years at Barça, but also to enjoy Leo Messi as a footballer, who continues to be a role model."
The PSG manager knows Inter Miami's strengths well having coached the four former Barcelona players and current head coach Javier Mascherano while leading the LaLiga side from 2014 to 2017. Enrique led Barcelona to several trophies during his tenure, including the 2014-15 Champions League title with all five Inter Miami figures by his side.
"Ten, 15 years, I don't know how long [Messi's peak] lasts," Luis Enrique said. "For me, that's the benchmark of the best football player in history, without a doubt. I accept other opinions, but above all, the length and continuity over many years, competing at the highest level, playing every three days.
"I had the opportunity to win everything as a coach in football, at Barça, and I not only enjoyed it over those three years but also over many training sessions -- I estimate around 200 training sessions each season. I've seen Leo Messi do things in training that belong to another breed, another situation -- incredible things.
"And an ability and control to manage the mobility of game situations that only someone with those qualities can make easy. It's a true pleasure, a thrilling experience, and I think it's something we all have fond memories of."
Mascherano said in his own news conference that he takes coaching inspiration from Luis Enrique, who he called one of the greatest managers of his career.
In turn, Luis Enrique said that he knew from his time coaching him that Mascherano would go on to become a great coach.
"Without a doubt [I saw Mascherano as a coach]," he said.
"He was a midfielder, and he ended up playing as a center-back, that he had already done it with Pep [Guardiola] and I think that if I had two players who had no doubt that they were going to be coaches, good coaches, one [is] Javier Mascherano and the other Sergio Busquets. There's no doubt that Busi will be a great coach if he wants to be, and those two were an extension of the coach on the field, both because they occupied the central midfield and because of their leadership skills."
The two will now come face to face in a competitive setting for the first time ever. The winner of tomorrow's match will go on to face the winner of the round of 16 game between Bayern Munich and Flamengo.
[(Inter Miami CF) Strength]: 1. Inter Miami CF have advanced to the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup this season after a series of impressive victories. Having won the inaugural edition of the tournament, the team are now poised to make another strong push for the title, fully motivated.2. Inter Miami CF's key striker Luis Suarez has been in excellent form in the Leagues Cup, showcasing strong offen...
[(Santos Laguna) Strength]: 1. Santos Laguna forward Cristian Dajome scored a goal in the last league game, marking his second consecutive game with a goal, demonstrating highly active recent form.2. Santos Laguna forward Ramiro Sordo, who was suspended due to a red card in the last league game, will be eligible to return for this game.3. Santos Laguna's home performance has been decent, with both...
[(Nottingham Forest) Strength]: 1. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Premier League club Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with Brazilian club Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas for the transfer of goalkeeper John Victor.2. Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 against Crystal Palace F.C. in the last game. They kept unbeaten in the last two games with 1 win and 1 draw, being in good form.3. Not...
[(Borussia Dortmund) Strength]: 1. Borussia Dortmund will play at home in this match, so they are undoubtedly motivated to take home advantage to secure their first win.2. Borussia Dortmund's 3 goals in the last game were scored by different players, showing multiple scorers on offense.[(Borussia Dortmund) Neutral]: 1. The Athletic reports that Brentford's offer of approximately 45 million pounds ...
[(Toulouse FC) Strength]: 1. Toulouse FC will play at home in this game. Despite their rivals having strong strength, the team's motivation cannot be underestimated.2. Frank Magri scored a brace for Toulouse FC in the last game, showing his hot form.3. Toulouse FC won 2-0 over Stade Brestois 29 in the last game, revealing decent performances.4. Toulouse FC won the first home game in the league of ...
[(Vitoria Guimaraes) Strength]: 1. Vitoria Guimaraes lost their last game. This time, back at home, they definitely want to shake off their losing streak and are highly motivated to win.2. Vitoria Guimaraes won all the last 3 home games with an outstanding ability.3. Vitoria Guimaraes kept unbeaten in their two league encounters last season with 1 win and 1 draw.[(Vitoria Guimaraes) Neutral]: 1. V...
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[(Nashville SC) Strength]: 1. Nashville SC currently sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing league leaders Philadelphia Union by 4 points. The team are determined to secure a victory in this game to narrow the gap, and their motivation is undoubtedly high.2. Hany Mukhtar performed well in the last game. He scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in a win over Orlando City.3. N...
[(Club Leon) Strength]: 1. 9th placed Club Leon are eager for points to climb up in the table, fully motivated in this game.2. In-form Ismael Diaz has scored in the last two games.3. Club Leon drew 1-1 against C.F. Pachuca in the last game. They grabbed 1 win and 1 draw in the last two games with good form.4. Club Leon achieved 6 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss in their last 10 encounters, being at a men...
[(Sporting CP) Strength]: 1. Sporting CP currently share the top of the table with FC Porto, both on 9 points, but lead due to a superior goal difference. The team are determined to secure all three points in this game to defend their top position, with no doubt about their motivation.2. Pedro Goncalves delivered an outstanding performance in the previous game, scoring a hat-trick and providing on...
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