‘They live with the ball’ – César Azpilicueta hails PSG’s evolution ahead of Club World Cup clash | OneFootball

As Atlético Madrid prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in their opening group stage game of the FIFA Club World Cup this Sunday in Los Angeles, veteran Spanish defender César Azpilicueta (35) has praised the reigning European champions for their stylistic transformation under Luis Enrique.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Azpilicueta – who previously played for Marseille and Chelsea – underlined the “identity” PSG have cultivated: “They live with the ball. That’s Luis Enrique’s way of seeing football. You have to stay super focused because they’re always probing for the slightest opening.”

Having faced PSG in the Champions League group stage last November – a 2-1 win for Atlético – Azpilicueta admits he didn’t see their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final coming. “Not many thought they’d win it after their start. But they built themselves match after match.”

The veteran will bow out of professional football after this tournament and hopes to “finish on a high” before deciding his next move.GFFN | George Boxall