Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique expressed a desire to avoid facing Brazilian champions Flamengo in the upcoming Intercontinental Cup final on December 17.
Flamengo secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in the Derby of the Americas held in Qatar on Wednesday and is set to face the reigning CAF champions, Pyramids FC, in Saturday’s semifinal.
“I would rather face Pyramids, who I’m not familiar with, but who could certainly pose a challenge,” Luis Enrique stated. “It’s clear to me that my preference is not Flamengo.”
Flamengo, who triumphed over eventual champions Chelsea with a 3-1 win in the FIFA Club World Cup last June before falling to Bayern Munich in the last 16, has been on an upward trajectory since.
They clinched the Copa Libertadores title after defeating Palmeiras in late November and followed it up with a Brazilian Serie A championship just four days later.
Former Atlético Madrid and Chelsea defender Filipe Luís, now 40, has led Flamengo to five titles since becoming head coach in October 2024.
– PSG frustrated in draw against Athletic in Bilbao
– Vitinha, Bonmatí feature in EA FC 26’s Joga Bonito program
“Yes, we’ve noticed them,” Luis Enrique acknowledged. “While we haven’t done an in-depth analysis, we’re aware of their capabilities. We saw them during the Club World Cup this summer. They’re an excellent team, boasting quality players, experience, and a great coach.”
Champions League titleholders PSG have qualified directly for the Intercontinental Cup final.
Luis Enrique’s side played to a goalless draw against Athletic Club in a UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday and will face Metz in a Ligue 1 clash on Saturday before heading to Qatar for the final.