Bixente Lizarazu, 98 world champion, gave his analysis in L’Équipe after Paris Saint-Germain’s stunning victory in the Champions League final against Inter Milan (5-0, see video summary). The former left-back was quick to describe the Parisians’ performance as a “masterpiece”, underlining the total mastery shown by PSG against Inter Milan.
Lizarazu “To have so much mastery in a final, that doesn’t actually exist!”
“What do you think of the term ”masterpiece” to characterize what PSG achieved in this final?
You could indeed use it. There’s no such thing as such mastery in a final! The Parisians never had a moment’s doubt, they mastered everything, on every level: technical, athletic and tactical, in ball control, in placed attacks or transitions, in pressing and counter-pressing… I had the impression of witnessing an opposition between a team of young, spirited and enthusiastic players and a very old, completely outdated team.
In fact, it’s incredible that Inter Milan missed their game so badly. But it’s true that winning a Champions League final 5-0 can be compared, with a smile and a wink, to winning a World Cup final 3-0 (which is what “Liza” did with Les Bleus against Brazil in 1998).
Lizarazu “He brought perspective and serenity. He reassured them”.
How do you assess the Spanish coach’s contribution to this triumph?
Of course, the turnaround against Manchester City (from 0-2 to 4-2, in the league phase, on January 21) was the turning point. What’s changed for him is the acceptance that he can also play hard in transition, while remaining very strong in attacking positions.
There’s a lot of variety now, and it doesn’t hum like it sometimes did last season or even at the start of the season. And mentally, he has played a fundamental role in taking the pressure off his young team.
He desacralized the absolute obligation to win the Champions League at all costs. He began by insisting that they be demanding with themselves, that they have the desire to progress, and that this would happen. He brought perspective and serenity. He reassured them.
For Lizarazu, this was an exceptional final, rarely seen at this level of competition. He emphasized the technical, tactical and mental domination of the Parisians, who never allowed any doubts to creep in, imposing their rhythm from start to finish.
The former French international notes that Luis Enrique’s team struck a perfect balance between attacking positioning and rapid transitions, making the game unpredictable and irresistible. He also highlights the central role played by the Spanish coach, who was able to bring serenity to a young squad by removing the pressure of results.
For Lizarazu, this human and tactical management enabled PSG to unleash their potential, culminating in what he considers a true collective masterpiece, comparable to the greatest finals in soccer history. The unanimity shown by PSG with this victory further heightens the emotion of this great final. Incredible joy!
