Luis Enrique
Doha, Qatar: Paris Saint-Germain stepped up preparations for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 final with their first training session in Doha yesterday, ahead of tomorrow’s showdown with Brazil’s CR Flamengo at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
The French champions took to the pitch just hours after arriving from Paris, beginning their final phase of work in Qatari conditions.
Under the watchful eye of head coach Luis Enrique, the session focused on sharpness and recovery as PSG aim to add another global trophy to their growing honours list.
The Parisians enter the final fresh and focused, having managed workloads carefully in recent days to ensure peak fitness for the decisive clash.
Reigning European champions PSG booked a direct place in the final by virtue of their UEFA Champions League triumph, while Flamengo have been battle-hardened on their route to the decider. The Brazilian side claimed the FIFA Derby of the Americas with a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul before overcoming Egypt’s Pyramids FC 2-0 in the FIFA Challenger Cup to seal their spot in Doha.
Enrique has underlined the importance of the Intercontinental Cup, describing it as a major objective for his squad. Several regular starters were rested during Saturday’s narrow 3-2 Ligue 1 win over Metz, a move designed to keep key players fresh for the final.
PSG have travelled with a strong squad that includes Nuno Mendes, Desire Doue, Joao Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Ballon d’Or 2025 winner Ousmane Dembele returns after illness.
PSG players take part in a training session in Doha yesterday. PICTURES: PSG
The only notable absentee is Achraf Hakimi, who misses out through an ankle injury, as PSG brace for what promises to be a demanding contest against an in-form Flamengo side.
