Enrique on Hakimi and Mbaye's AFCON Final Clash: 'One Will Return Angry, Not Everyone Can Be Happy'
15 January 2026at16:30
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique sent a message to his players, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Senegalese Ibrahima Mbaye, ahead of their clash in the Africa Cup of Nations final, scheduled for next Sunday (20:00 GMT+1).
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the Lille match, part of Week 18 of Ligue 1, Enrique said: "I don't send messages or anything like that. They get very tired of seeing me when they are here."
He continued: "I am very happy for both of them; they deserve it. I hope they enjoy playing in this final, as it is not easy."
He added: "One of them will return angry and upset, because not everyone can be happy. I wish them both the best of luck, and they will return very soon."
Q&A
What did Luis Enrique say about Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahima Mbaye's AFCON final clash?
Luis Enrique expressed happiness for both Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahima Mbaye reaching the AFCON final, wishing them luck. He acknowledged, however, that one would inevitably return 'angry' due to the final's outcome.
How does Luis Enrique view the emotional outcome for his PSG players after the AFCON final?
Enrique understands that while both players deserve to enjoy the final, only one can win. He anticipates the losing player will return to PSG feeling 'angry and upset' after the intense competition, as not everyone can be happy.
