This Sunday, the highly anticipated match between PSG and Inter Miami at the Club World Cup will see Luis Enrique face off against Javier Mascherano. This duel is particularly intriguing as it reunites several players from the illustrious Barcelona team that Enrique managed a decade ago.
In the press conference leading up to the game, Enrique shared a fond memory involving Mascherano from their time together at Barcelona. He recalled the first conversation he had with Mascherano, which took place at the British School in Barcelona, where their daughters attended the same class. Enrique mentioned that during that discussion, there was some uncertainty surrounding Mascherano’s future at the club, and he confidently reassured him, stating, “he wasn’t going anywhere, not even if he was drunk.”
Enrique also expressed his belief in Mascherano’s potential as a coach. He highlighted that he had no doubt about Mascherano becoming a great manager, much like Sergio Busquets, another player from that golden generation. “There were two players I had no doubts would be good coaches because they already were on the field: Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets,” he noted, expressing confidence that Busquets will excel in coaching if he chooses that path.
This match not only serves as a clash of teams but also as a reunion of iconic football figures, evoking nostalgia for fans of the beautiful game. The encounter promises excitement, not just from the competitive edge but also from the rich history shared by the coaches and players involved.
It’s a delightful reminder of the connections formed through sports, and the paths they take, not just as players but as future leaders in football.