Paris Saint-Germain appoint Luis Enrique as new coach, Mason Mount joins Man United
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Spanish coach Luis Enrique (left) shaking hands with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, chairman and CEO of Paris Saint-Germain, during his presentation as new head coach of PSG.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Follow topic:
PARIS – Former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique has been appointed as the new coach of Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal, the French champions announced on Wednesday.
The 53-year-old, who had been a free agent since being sacked as Spain coach in December, replaced Christophe Galtier, whose departure from the football club was confirmed earlier in the day.
Enrique was unveiled by PSG at a press conference alongside the Qatar-backed club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi at their new training complex in Poissy near Paris.
“I’m delighted to be joining Paris in order to enjoy a new experience,” Enrique said in a club statement.
“It’s so exciting to meet new people, to live in this city, to learn a new language and, above all, to manage PSG.”
He joins a club beginning their latest rebuild following the departure of superstar Lionel Messi.
Al-Khelaifi said separately on Wednesday that superstar forward Kylian Mbappe must sign a new contract if he wants to stay, as they will not let him leave for free in 2024.
Over in England, Mason Mount set his sights on winning major trophies with Manchester United after the England midfielder completed his move from Chelsea for a reported fee of £55 million (S$94.6 million) on Wednesday.
Mount agreed a five-year contract with United with the option of a further year, and becomes Erik ten Hag’s first major close-season signing.
The 24-year-old graduated from Chelsea’s youth academy and made 129 Premier League appearances for the Stamford Bridge club, scoring 27 goals.
“It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career,” he said.
“Having competed against them, I know just how strong the squad that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.”
Mount won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021,
United manager ten Hag will hope he can provide energy and goals from both a central-midfield berth and on the flanks at Old Trafford.
Describing himself as “hugely ambitious”, Mount cannot wait to start the new chapter in his career.
“Everyone can see that the club have made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag,” said Mount, whose fee could rise by a further £5 million in add-ons.
“Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.
“I am hugely ambitious. I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it.
“I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
Mount’s long-time friend and England teammate Declan Rice, meanwhile, looks set to join Arsenal after they reached an agreement to sign the West Ham United midfielder for over £100 million, the British media reported.
The 24-year-old England international had received permission to undergo a medical this week ahead of his move across London, The Guardian said. AFP, REUTERS
