Maresca Ecstatic with Historic Victory
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea was dominant from the start. Two goals from Cole Palmer and another from Pedro in the first half secured a comfortable 3-0 win over PSG. More impressively, the Blues managed to keep a clean sheet against the reigning UEFA Champions League winners.
Speaking after the match, Maresca couldn’t contain his excitement, “I’m speechless. The players fully deserved this. It’s an incredible moment. We won the match in the first 10 minutes — we dictated the tempo right away. The team played exactly the way we wanted.”
Maresca also praised Palmer’s brilliant performance, “We gave Palmer more space to attack today, and he made the most of it. I’m happy for him, but I must say, everyone played excellently.”
Despite the celebratory mood, the Italian coach admitted the scorching heat made it difficult to maintain intensity over 90 minutes.
Luis Enrique Defends Controversial Slap
However, the post-match focus quickly shifted when PSG head coach Luis Enrique was caught on camera seemingly grabbing and slapping Chelsea’s Pedro. The footage, taken right after the final whistle, sparked widespread outrage and accusations of misconduct.
When asked about the incident, Enrique responded, “My only intention was to stop my players from fighting. I saw Maresca being pushed and things escalating. We were simply trying to prevent a brawl.”
He declined to elaborate further on the physical contact with Pedro, despite the growing controversy.
“I’m Not a Loser,” Says Enrique
Luis Enrique was also asked whether he felt like a “loser” after the heavy defeat. His response was firm and philosophical, “I’m not a loser. I’m the runner-up of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. There are no losers in elite football — losers are those who don’t even get out of bed.”
He added, “I don’t care if people like me or not. I’ve always been this way. Those who know me love me. Maybe I sound arrogant, but I’m okay with that.”