Luis Enrique's PSG Set For Champions League Final Showdown Against Inter Milan

Add as a preferred source on Google

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has experienced a seamless transition in their first season without Kylian Mbappe, thanks to the strategic changes introduced by Luis Enrique. Mbappe moved to Real Madrid last season and continued his goal-scoring prowess under Carlo Ancelotti. However, he finished his debut season in Madrid without a trophy. Meanwhile, PSG is set to face Inter in the Champions League final in Munich on Saturday.

The French club is making its second appearance in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League final, having previously lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the 2019-20 season. PSG remains the last French team to win a major European trophy, securing the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1995-96. This time, they are favourites due to Luis Enrique's philosophy shift from a superstar-centric model to a disciplined and youthful approach.

Lionel Messi and Neymar were among the star-studded names at PSG over the years. Now, players like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Joao Neves have become well-known figures in European football's elite competition. Luis Enrique is renowned for his direct and uncompromising personality. He made his intentions clear early on by stating, "Our game does not consist in letting Mbappe do what he wants," during a documentary about his time at PSG.

This statement marked a departure from the club's previous philosophy, which never secured a major trophy. The message was clear, leading to a cultural shift within the club that resulted in another domestic treble this season. Ousmane Dembele noted last week that there has been a change in mindset this season under Enrique's leadership.

Luis Enrique's tenure has brought back intense training sessions, strict tactical demands, and an emphasis on collective responsibility. No player is exempt from defensive duties under his leadership. His confrontational approach contrasts with the player-driven environment of recent years, where keeping marquee names happy often took precedence over footballing coherence.

The results have been immediate for PSG. They secured another Ligue 1 title and clinched their record-extending 16th Coupe de France crown against Reims last week. This season has seen PSG achieve their highest number of wins (10) and goals scored (33) in a single major European campaign.

Record-Breaking Season for PSG

PSG also recorded their most shots per game (18.6) in a Champions League season since Opta began tracking this data in 2003-04. When Mbappe announced last season that he would leave, the club initially sought to retain him. However, Luis Enrique remained optimistic about the future.

"If I think I'll do better next season? No doubt," said Luis Enrique. "Because having one player who can do whatever he wants on the pitch implies there are situations I cannot control. Next season, I will control all of them. Without exception."