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Sports
Luis Enrique organized a lavish dinner for his squad but failed to attend his own 56th birthday celebration.
A 56th birthday dinner arranged by Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique for his squad at a chic Parisian restaurant ended with the guest of honor conspicuously absent. The lavish gathering at the prestigious Prunier restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe took place Thursday evening, just 24 hours after the Spaniard guided the Ligue 1 giants to a second consecutive Champions League final.
According to Le Parisien, Enrique organized the seafood and caviar menu for his players to mark his birthday, but the manager himself failed to appear. Despite his absence, the squad continued celebrating their aggregate victory over Bayern Munich, which was secured in the second leg on Wednesday.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been effusive in his praise for the Spanish coach following the team's success. Speaking after Wednesday's game, Al-Khelaifi stated: "Luis Enrique is truly our best asset, the best, my best decision. I spoke with him for the last 15 years about signing him. He's a fantastic coach, the best coach in the world, but also as a person. It's incredible how he handles the day-to-day operations, the players, everything, even the media, which in France isn't always easy, but he's fantastic."
Enrique orchestrated a stunning two-legged victory against the European powerhouse. After overpowering Vincent Kompany's side 5-4 in the first leg in Paris, the reigning continental champions completed the job in Munich. Ousmane Dembele's early goal put the French club in control, rendering Harry Kane's late strike for the hosts a mere consolation.
The qualification for the final in Budapest cements Enrique's legacy in the French capital, as he becomes the first coach to lead a French club to three European Cup finals. PSG have also become the first side from France to reach two consecutive finals, a feat not seen by defending champions since Real Madrid's dominant run in 2018.
Under Enrique's stewardship, the Parisians have developed a formidable knockout record, winning their last eight two-legged Champions League ties while losing only twice in their previous 20 continental outings. PSG now travel to Budapest for a historic showdown against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena on Saturday, May 30. Looking to become the first side in nearly a decade to retain the trophy, Enrique's side face a formidable test against the Gunners in Hungary.
