After winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time, PSG traveled to the United States for the competition, as they look to cap off a trophy-laden season with even more silverware. However, Real's Club World Cup marks the beginning of a new era under new coach Xabi Alonso.
"Playing against Real Madrid is always a special game," PSG's Spanish coach told reporters during a press conference held at the MetLife Stadium, just outside New York, where the match will be played.
"At the same time, we like playing these kinds of games because it means you've done your job well and you're in a position to play in a semifinal".
However, Luis Enrique declined to draw comparisons between his Champions League-winning side and the team that previously featured Kylian Mbappé, when approached by one of the reporters.
The Spanish coach said, "This is a question about the past and I'm not here to talk about the past, I'm only thinking about the future".
However, he acknowledged that facing his former player adds flare to the match, stating that "playing against the most successful team in the world" is "definitely extra motivation."
When Luis Enrique was asked about the Real Madrid team under the new coach Xabi Alonso, he said, "I think it's very difficult to analyse Real Madrid because Xabi Alonso is just starting his work there.
"For me it has always been a pleasure to play against Real Madrid and it always will be.
"They are the most decorated club in the world and Xabi has everything required to take on the challenge."
The winner will face Chelsea in Sunday's final, after the Premier League side qualified with a 2-0 win against Fluminense on Tuesday.
Image credit:- Paris Saint-Germain Football Club