Confusion began shortly after the final whistle, initially between the Brazilian and Donnarumma; coach was insistent when denying that he acted deliberately
Paris Saint-Germain coach acknowledged that he assaulted Chelsea’s Brazilian striker, shortly after the final whistle of the decision on Sunday (13), at Metlife Stadium in the United States. The episode occurred amid a confusion between players from both teams, moments after Chelsea’s 3-0 win over PSG. Images of the broadcast caught the moment the Spanish coach hits a slap on João Pedro’s face, who falls on the lawn. In lip reading, he addresses the assistants shortly thereafter: “I’m an idiot. He’s there, pushes me, I touch him and he plays himself. ”
At the news conference, Luis Enrique said that his intention was only to separate athletes and prevent the fight from taking higher proportions. “At the end of the match, there was an avoidable situation on the part of everyone. My intention, as always, was to separate the players so that there was no more problems,” he said.
The coach was insistent when denying that he acted deliberately against the Brazilian striker. “I have no problem expressing my feeling. I will prevent my players from getting worse what was already happening. From there, there are pushes by everyone,” he explained.
The confusion began with a discussion between João Pedro and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. When the situation seemed controlled, Luis Enrique ran toward the athletes and hit the Chelsea player. The incident generated a widespread turmoil, which involved players and members of the technical committees of both clubs. The situation was controlled a few minutes later.
Despite the episode, Paris Saint-Germain players remained on the lawn during the awards ceremony. The French team, Champions League champion, the French Cup and Ligue 1 of the season, received the silver medal and applauded Chelsea sporting.
Commenting on the 3-0 defeat, Luis Enrique admitted the opponent’s superiority. “They had a lot of energy. Not so much for physical capacity, but they knew how to enjoy the game situations,” said the Spaniard. PSG captain Marquinhos also recognized the rival’s efficiency: “Effectiveness is everything in a final.” With the end of the 2024/25 European season, the two clubs are on vacation of three weeks. Chelsea will return to the lawns in the preseason with the worldwide champion badge on the shirt.
Published by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the aid of AI
