PSG coach plays down Pedro push: Can't happen

Following Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, a post-match brawl erupted involving both teams. The tension escalated after PSG's João Neves received an 86th-minute red card for pulling Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella's hair, culminating in clashes at the final whistle.

Footage appeared to show PSG coach Luis Enrique pushing Chelsea forward João Pedro to the ground during the confrontation. Enrique later explained he was attempting to separate players to prevent further escalation, stating: "My intention was to separate the footballers so the situations didn't become worse." He acknowledged the incident reflected poorly but attributed it to match pressure, noting he saw Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca "pushing others" amid the chaos.

Chelsea's João Pedro suggested PSG players "lost their heads" due to the defeat but downplayed the incident, commenting: "This is football... we won the tournament, that's it." He declined to elaborate further on the opposition's behavior.

Despite the loss denying PSG a world title to complement their Champions League trophy, Enrique rejected the "losers" label for his team, asserting: "We are the runners-up. A loser is somebody who gives up." PSG will now take a break before resuming Ligue 1 play on the weekend of August 17.