Luis Enrique dodges Mbappe talk ahead of Real Madrid showdown

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EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey - Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique refused to be drawn into comparisons between his Champions League-winning squad and the team that previously featured Kylian Mbappe, ahead of Wednesdays Club World Cup semi-final clash with his former stars new club Real Madrid.

This is a question about the past and Im not here to talk about the past, Im only thinking about the future, Luis Enrique told a press conference when asked if his PSG are a better team now without Mbappe than when they had the France captain in their squad before his free transfer to Real Madrid last year.

The Spanish coach did acknowledge that facing his former player adds spice to the encounter, saying that playing against the most successful team in the world is definitely extra motivation.

PSG will again have to contend with brutal conditions in New Jersey, with an afternoon kickoff in scorching heat after temperatures in Tuesdays semi-final between Chelsea and Fluminense soared past 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) with over 54% humidity, prompting a National Weather Service warning.

Were getting used to it. Playing in these conditions, because thats been the norm during the World Cup. Itll be business as usual, Luis Enrique said. Its not good for the spectacle because its difficult to play in that position. Its the same for both teams.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the former Barcelona boss is relishing the high-stakes encounter.

Playing against Real Madrid will be a special match, no doubt about it. At the same time, we like playing these kinds of games because it means youve done your job well and youre in a position to