Real Madrid News
PSG boss Luis Enrique’s record against Real Madrid ahead of Club World Cup semi-final
Real Madrid are gearing up for a thrilling encounter with Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.
While fans are excited for the big match, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Kylian Mbappe. This game will mark the first time the French superstar faces his old team since he left PSG for Real Madrid in 2024.
Many eyes will watch to see how Mbappe performs against the club where he became a global star.
His move to Madrid was one of the biggest stories in recent football history, and his return to play against PSG makes this semi-final even more intense.
There’s another former player in the fold
However, it is not just Mbappe who will have the cameras on him. PSG manager Luis Enrique will also be in the spotlight.
Fresh from leading PSG to a stunning treble in the 2024/25 season, Enrique will take on Real Madrid for the ninth time as a manager.
His record against the Spanish giants stands at four wins, one draw, and three losses in eight matches, during his time at Celta Vigo and Barcelona.
One of the most unforgettable moments in Enrique’s career against Real Madrid was Barcelona’s famous 4-0 victory at Santiago Bernabeu in the 2015/16 LaLiga season.
It is to be noted that Enrique himself once wore the white of Real Madrid from 1991 to 1996, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup before moving to Barcelona, where he became a club legend.
Since then, Real Madrid fans have never forgiven him for joining their fierce rivals, and he has faced boos every time he has returned to the Bernabeu, even when he was Spain’s national coach.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
