At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the recent history between Luis Enrique and Enzo Maresca carries the feel of an unfinished conversation. Spain returned there on 19 July 2026 to beat Argentina 1-0 and secure their second World Cup, but a year earlier the same ground staged a far more club-focused encounter: Chelsea’s emphatic Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
That afternoon, on 13 July 2025, Maresca’s Chelsea met a PSG side led by Luis Enrique and newly crowned European champions. Chelsea won 3-0, settling the contest before half-time and leaving both coaches to separate their players after tempers rose at the final whistle. They meet again on Wednesday in the second round of the Champions League league phase, though Maresca now welcomes PSG as Manchester City manager, having taken over from Pep Guardiola.
A New City, an Old Tactical Memory
The Club World Cup final was remembered not simply for its scoreline but for the manner in which Chelsea took control. Maresca’s side pressed PSG relentlessly, restricted the influence of Vitinha and João Neves, and found room to attack behind the French champions’ defensive line. Reece James, Chelsea captain at the time, was deployed in midfield and became a central figure in the plan.
Cole Palmer supplied the decisive individual quality, scoring in the 22nd and 30th minutes before creating João Pedro’s goal in the 43rd. Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella also provided important width, as Chelsea turned their territorial control into a commanding three-goal lead by the interval.
For Luis Enrique, the memory is a reminder that European status offers no protection when a team loses command of midfield and rhythm. PSG arrive in Manchester as two-time consecutive Champions League winners, yet their domestic position is less imposing: they are fourth in Ligue 1, three points behind leaders Monaco.
Manchester’s Momentum
City, meanwhile, host the French side at the top of the Premier League table. Their confidence was strengthened on Sunday by a 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, their first match since the Premier League found the Etihad club guilty on 115 charges relating to its financial rules.
Wednesday’s meeting therefore brings together two clubs carrying very different pressures. PSG want their European pedigree to be visible again after an uneven start in France. City have form, a new manager and the weight of events off the pitch surrounding them. For Maresca and Luis Enrique, however, the most immediate reference point remains New Jersey: one coach’s most complete victory over the other, and the chance to discover how much has changed since then.
