Donnarumma “had cold sweats” to the memory of his painful past, a psychological shock so deep that even Enrique had to be silent for a few seconds …

On the eve of the Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea, not a single tactical training was mentioned, not a single action was analyzed in depth … But only one sentence from coach Enzo Maresca shaken the whole international press and put the PSG staff on extreme alert.

“They may be stronger in terms of stars, they may be more famous … But what they don’t have is the DNA of a world champion.”

No cries. No arrogance. Maresca pronounced this sentence in a low and posed voice, but each word was like a slap with Parisian pride. The difference does not lie in football, but in the mind – a point on which PSG has always doubted for years: the mentality of the big matches.

And that’s not all: the Italian coach continued to wear a fatal blow by mentioning Donnarumma without naming him. This time, it was not just a question of crying or losing. Maresca spoke of the largest scar last season, associated with Donnarumma himself:

“I saw a goalkeeper crying after ruining his opponent’s career just to keep his invited cage. Maybe at the time, he thought it was all over … but it was the World Cup, where tears cannot help him hide the pressure. “

No need to say the name, everyone knew that it was Donnarumma and the terrible collision that broke the leg of Musiala-a haunting memory not only because of the consequences, but also because the Italian goalkeeper himself melted in tears on the ground after the fact. Maresca had planted the knife in a wound that was not yet healed.

Some journalists reported that Donnarumma had remained for a moment, his face frozen, and had his head hosted only a slight sign of the head when he questioned her reaction. No one knew what he thought. But sources close to PSG said: Enrique had summoned the whole closed team just after the press conference, not for tactical reasons, but to appease the spirits.

Enrique coach did not respond directly. But his expression said a lot. Throughout the press conference, Enrique has often looked away, stuck hands, an obvious sign of distraction. Asked about Maresca’s declaration, he replied only one sentence:

“I don’t care about psychological warfare. I only think of winning. “

A strong declaration, but is it sufficient?

Because Maresca was right: Chelsea played and won world finals. They know what it is to suffocate. They understand that the pressure can crush a team in lack of character, and they take advantage of it.

PSG is not lacking in stars. PSG is not lacking in passion. But is PSG cold enough to survive a stifling evening?

When Chelsea kicked off the final from … the press conference, PSG must understand: it is not only a leg match, but also a battle of hearts and character.

What is your comment? Will Donnarumma get up … or fall back?