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2024.05.26 19:00 GMT+8

Manager Enrique: PSG will win Champions League despite Mbappe's exit

Updated 2024.05.26 19:00 GMT+8
CGTN

Luis Enrique, manager of Paris Saint-Germain, celebrates after winning the Coupe de France title at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, May 25, 2024. /CFP

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will win the UEFA Champions League title in the future despite the departure of Kylian Mbappe, the club's manager Luis Enrique said after his side won the Coupe de France title on Saturday.

PSG defeated Olympique Lyonnais 2-1 at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, on Saturday, to win their third domestic trophy for the 2023-24 season after the Trophee des Champions and Ligue 1 titles. Ousmane Dembele and Fabio Ruiz scored PSG’s two goals in the first half. Jake O'Brien turned a corner into a goal for Lyon in the second half.

Mbappe didn't net in his final appearance for the French heavyweights. His record stayed at 256 goals in 308 games. He has previously announced that he will part ways with the club this summer. Many believe that he will join Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after winning the Coupe de France title at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France, May 25, 2024. /CFP

"I have had the good fortune to coach Kylian this season, it has been a difficult one for him after seven years at his club and all that he has achieved, it is difficult to say goodbye," Enrique said at the post-game press conference. "There is no substitute for Mbappe, we cannot replace him, we will do it through the team and four, five or six signings we can make."

"Kylian's replacement will be the team that, along with the fans and our ambition, will try to win everything in the following seasons," Enrique added.

PSG advanced to the semifinals at the Champions League this season but were upset by Borussia Dortmund. The club has been investing generously to win that honor since they were acquired by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011. The closest they came to winning it was in 2020 when they reached the final but lost to Bayern Munich.

"A big challenge for any player who wants to come is that we want to make history and this club will win the Champions League sooner or later, it is difficult, but this team will do it," Enrique said. "This season is coming to an end, but negotiations are already starting and there are possibilities to improve the squad, it is still an impressive project."

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