Luis Enrique Firmly Defends Ibrahim Díaz Following the Africa Cup Final
Luis Enrique, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, has stepped up to defend Moroccan international Ibrahim Díaz following the controversy surrounding his missed penalty in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations “Morocco 2025” against Senegal.
“The Ups and Downs of Football”
At a press conference, the Spanish coach remarked that this incident is part of the unpredictable nature of football and that it is unfair to place excessive blame on the player during such a crucial moment.
Precedents Among the Giants
Luis Enrique highlighted that even the greatest legends of football have faced similar situations, referencing Zinédine Zidane and Sergio Ramos. “Everyone is talking about Ibrahim, but I remember Zidane, a football legend, who experienced this in a World Cup final, just like Sergio Ramos did,” he stated.
An Exceptional Player and an Exemplary Person
The Parisian coach described Ibrahim Díaz as an exceptional player and a person of great character, urging support for him during this challenging time. He also noted that he knows Díaz well, having previously called him up to the Spanish national team.
A Strong Message About Sports Values
“If you score a Panenka, everyone applauds. If you miss it, the criticism flows in. Ibrahim Díaz is an excellent player. He is going through a tough moment, but he is neither a criminal nor a bad person,” insisted Luis Enrique.
A Call for Compassion
In conclusion, the Spanish coach emphasized that football is primarily a sport, rooted in the acceptance of both victory and defeat. He called for greater understanding and compassion, especially towards young players facing immense pressure.
