Luis Enrique did not hide his admiration for Isaac del Toro. The Paris Saint-Germain technical director highlighted the personality and offensive style of the Mexican cyclist, who he considers one of the runners with the greatest projection of the international landscape.
After PSG's 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava in the start of his Champions League crown defense, the Spanish coach spoke about his cycling passion and explained why he the way Del Toro faces competitions.
“I love, I love the good cyclists, I love them. I have a lot of admiration for them all. I, who have done a lot of bicycles, know how hard it is to train every day,” Luis Enrique told Fox.
The strategist of the Paris team also focused on the evolution that the Mexican has had and on the opportunity that it represents for him to share team with Tadej Pogačar, one of the main figures in world cycling.
I love it (Isaac del Toro) I’m sure someday I’ll coincide with him.” Luis Enrique shared with @JuanJRueda his admiration and that he is a big fan of Mexican cyclist Isaac del Toro.#ChampionsEnFOX pic.twitter.com/FEe56gVK54
For Luis Enrique, one of the characteristics that most distinguish Isaac del Toro is his ambition to compete and his willingness to look for protagonism in the races.
“I’m sure one day we’ll agree with him. He’s superlative, he’s next to the best cyclist of all time, like Pogačar. He is learning a lot, because he is very ambitious. He is very brave and of those who like to go forward, like me I like to watch football. I wish you a lot of success,” added Luis Enrique.
The comparison with Pogačar also puts in perspective the environment in which the Mexican rider is currently developing. Del Toro is part of the same team as the Slovenian and has had the opportunity to compete alongside him while continuing to consolidate at the highest level.
Luis Enrique’s recognition comes after a season in which Isaac del Toro achieved important results in international cycling.
The Mexican won the UAE Tour, the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour de Auvernia-Rhône-Alpes, in addition to achieving a prominent result in the Tour de France.
At only 22, Del Toro finished third in the general classification of the French round, becoming the first Mexican cyclist to climb the podium of the Tour de France.
His performance also allowed him to stay with the white shirt, reserved for the best young runner of the competition.
Beyond his individual results, one of Del Toro’s main attractions today is his sporting coexistence with Tadej Pogačar.
Luis Enrique believes that being close to a rider of that level can become a source of learning for the Mexican, especially for the ambition he has shown in his early seasons among the elite.
The Spanish coach, who has also spoken on various occasions about his bicycle hobby, found a connection between Del Toro’s competitive personality and the way he understands the sport.
For now, the Mexican continues to build his career in the international squad, while recognition for his talent transcends cycling and even reaches football figures like Luis Enrique.
