Luis Enrique has completely turned around Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) since joining in 2023. With his leadership, the club has gone through a radical metamorphosis. This is not just limited to the high-profile departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. This move represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for PSG. From an aging lineup of galácticos to perhaps Europe’s most young and dynamic attacking team, they’re in the midst of a terrific reboot.
Enrique’s strategic vision is what has reshaped PSG’s roster. He is moving away from a focus on superstars and towards a new, energetic, and youthful team. His hands-on approach includes spending long hours analyzing team performance through various computer screens, ensuring that he is intimately familiar with every aspect of his team’s capabilities.
Strategic Changes and High-Profile Exits
Realistically, since taking charge, Luis Enrique has completely restructured the PSG squad. Along the way he’s bid adieu to some of football’s biggest legends. The releases of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe have been key phases in the restructuring of team chemistry and identity. Departing friends, these changes might sound intimidating. What they do is create an opening for a new generation of players to emerge and take center stage.
And that’s not to say the choice to part ways with these attention-grabbing players was an easy one. Enrique’s vision was bold. He wanted to put together a deeply talented and well-connected squad capable of playing at the highest levels. “Now it’s a sad moment but you have to accept sometimes sport is that way,” Enrique stated, reflecting on the challenges of these transitions. “We have to try to create something special next year and win it.”
Enrique’s approach has been all about introducing fresh young talent into the team. Having given debuts to young stars such as Pedri while in charge of Spain, he firmly believes in developing the best up-and-coming talents. This tactic is clearly in keeping with PSG’s wider, long-term agenda of improving competitiveness within the elite sphere of European football.
Transitioning to a New Era
Moving from a team centered around older stars to a young gun attacking team isn’t easy. Enrique’s coaching philosophy matches their talent and experience with a premium on movement and fluidity on the pitch. He champions a high-tempo and confrontational brand of football, one that emphasizes rapid ball movement and fever-pitch pressing.
You should not stay more than 30 minutes, and you actually shouldn’t, you need to keep that intensity through the games,” he emphasizes. His vision is clear: he aims to create an environment where every player feels empowered to contribute and make decisive plays.
Clearly, Enrique’s commitment to this transformation has not gone unnoticed. His ability to adapt tactics and cultivate young talent has positioned PSG as a formidable contender in both domestic and European competitions. Their attacking prowess is starting to shine through as they start to gel under his guidance.
A Personal Journey
Luis Enrique’s road to PSG has been paved with as many personal and professional hurdles. Before joining PSG, he had a successful stint at FC Barcelona, where he won the Champions League in 2015 and achieved a rare treble: the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, and European titles. If there was ever any doubt of his elite managerial status, his time at Barcelona made it clear.
His path hasn’t been without struggle. In 2019, Enrique endured the heartbreaking loss of his youngest daughter, Xana, after her battle with osteosarcoma. This personal tragedy had a tremendous influence on him and was the catalyst behind his philanthropic efforts. Together with his wife, Elena Cullell, he established a foundation in Xana’s name to support families dealing with similar challenges.
Enrique’s experiences have shaped his leadership style. He creates a remarkable connection with his players, often talking to them in Spanish. When speaking in French, he asks someone to translate for him so his message is clear. This tight-knit method builds a high level of trust and camaraderie among the entire team.
