Former Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Javier Pastore, 36, praised the Parisian club’s rise to prominence in a statement shared with Le Parisien. The Argentinian believes the team has become a European benchmark thanks to Luis Enrique’s influence and its ability to maintain control of every aspect of the game without sacrificing intensity.
Pastore: “When I see PSG’s mentality, I see the mentality of a team that is very strong in Europe.”
“PSG in the semi-finals for the third time in a row, is that definitely a European powerhouse?”
“Absolutely, and not just because they won the Champions League last season. They are a team that consistently performs at the highest level. When I see PSG’s mentality, I see the mentality of a team that is very strong in Europe. Nobody wants to face PSG in the Champions League! That shows the strength of this team.”
How did this team become a benchmark?
“What strikes me is Luis Enrique’s management. He has played an absolutely crucial role. Of course, it’s the players who are on the pitch, but the coach has a huge share of the responsibility.”
Pastore: “They are a hybrid, unpredictable team.”
What fascinates you about this team?
“They are a team that can do anything! They can control the game for…” 90 minutes, whether playing with speed or dominating possession. But this is also a team that can counter-attack and can move forward with any player. It’s a hybrid, unpredictable team.
The ability to change its style of play while maintaining the same intensity is unique in Europe. There’s no other team like PSG. Bayern operates in a different style; they play very good football, but their players aren’t as versatile.
Pastore’s focus is less on the accumulation of talent than on the overall organization of Paris Saint-Germain. In his analysis, the current PSG is impressive because it no longer relies on a single approach: it knows how to dominate possession, accelerate suddenly, attack space, or punish on the counter-attack, all while maintaining the same collective commitment. This is where Luis Enrique’s influence proves decisive.
The Spanish coach has crafted a team capable of shifting gears without losing cohesion, making it far more difficult for opponents to read. In Pastore’s eyes, this versatility isn’t just another asset: it sets Paris apart, placing them among the teams that pose a challenge to the rest of Europe.
