Willian Pacho, the 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Ecuador defender, opened up at length in The Players’ Tribune. You can read the full piece here; it includes a powerful account of his childhood, his career, and the death of his mother early in his professional journey. The player also spoke about his arrival at PSG in 2024 and highlighted the impact coach Luis Enrique has had on his path.
Pacho: “Like in the movies.”
“After a good season, my agent told me PSG wanted to meet me. When you hear ‘PSG,’ you don’t even think twice. You grab your phone and immediately look for a flight. Let’s see—Ryanair, what time is the next departure? Come on. Vamos!“
“Luis Campos invited me to a secret dinner in Madrid, in an underground restaurant—just like in the movies. After five minutes, he said to me, ‘Hold on, someone wants to talk to you.’ And he put Luis Enrique on FaceTime with me.” “It was incredible.”
The Ecuadorian was at Eintracht Frankfurt—a very good club—but PSG represented a step up. Crucially, it offered the chance to play in the Champions League. The defender didn’t hesitate to agree to the move. Such enthusiasm is appreciated and plays a role in Luis Campos’s decision-making process—a process that involves his signature method of an informal meeting with the player.
This time, it took place in a discreet restaurant, which explains why rumors only surfaced so late in the game. A call from Luis Enrique was undoubtedly a positive sign and likely reinforced Pacho’s decision. In any case, he now highlights how the Spaniard helped him progress.
Pacho: “He’s exactly the type of coach I needed.”
Luis Enrique has something special. An aura, I suppose. To me, he is the key to everything PSG has achieved. And I say that as a person, not just as a footballer. He doesn’t speak much, but when he does, you feel that he understands you as an individual.
For me, given everything I’d been through, he was exactly the type of coach I needed. When I arrived, he told me: “Go at your own pace. Don’t think you have to prove anything just because we signed you. You still have time to develop.” By giving me time, he freed me from any pressure. And because he gave me that time, I really took off.
“I never imagined receiving so much love”
I never imagined becoming a starter so quickly. I never imagined winning two Champions League titles in two consecutive seasons. I never imagined receiving so much love and affection from the fans. We went from: “The number…” “51? Who is number 51?” to “Pacho! Pacho! Pacho!”
It is harder to gauge from the outside than Luis Enrique’s tactical choices, yet we can certainly glean insights into this very distinctive personality. Players often highlight it, and there have been public statements to the media as well. Some still remember a few sharp remarks—it must be said that the Spanish coach knows how to fend off the press.
Yet, he is equally capable of conveying important messages—whether in press conferences, the dressing room, or conversations with the players. The players themselves have frequently highlighted the coach’s humanity—a crucial factor in making a difference. This quality is clearly reflected on the pitch, particularly in the collective energy and composure PSG has displayed since his arrival.
