What did coach Luis Enrique say about the image of him slapping striker Joao Pedro?

Coach Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain) spoke out about the unsightly images after PSG's 0-3 loss to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final in the early morning of July 14.

Coach Luis Enrique and his players suffered a humiliating 0-3 defeat against Chelsea - Photo: REUTERS

After the tense 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG, coach Luis Enrique faced many questions from reporters about the chaos that occurred after the final whistle.

As soon as the match ended, players from both teams lost their composure and got into a messy brawl. Standing out in the crowd was PSG coach Luis Enrique. In contrast to his usual calm and gentlemanly image, the Spanish strategist also got into a fight with Chelsea players. Notably, television cameras captured the moment when coach Enrique slapped Chelsea striker Joao Pedro multiple times in the face.

The Spaniard insisted his aim was to prevent things from getting worse, blaming the immense pressure of the match for his actions.

"It was completely avoidable at the end of the game," said coach Enrique, stressing that his intention was always to "try to separate the players to avoid bigger problems."

Despite admitting there had been "a lot of tension, pressure and even some physical altercations", the PSG coach said such behaviour needed to be avoided, saying: "I repeat, my intention has always been to avoid any situation becoming worse. That's what I want to do."

Coach Enrique and his players could not keep calm when facing Chelsea - Photo: REUTERS

Enrique went on to explain that the post-match violence was a direct result of “the pressure of the game”. He said it was “quite reasonable” for players and coaching staff to show strong emotions in the tense environment of the final.

Luis Enrique added: "I have no problem expressing my emotions at the end of the game. There was a very high level of pressure. It was very stressful for all of us."

The Spaniard insisted he would work to control his players better in the future, saying: "I will do my best so that my players do not go beyond the limit. Everyone got caught up. I tell you, this is not the best, and this is just the end result of the pressure of the match. And I have nothing else to say."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-luis-enrique-noi-gi-ve-hinh-anh-tat-tien-dao-joao-pedro-20250714074839604.htm