At Paris Saint-Germain, 55-year-old Spanish coach Luis Enrique seems to have put his team back on track just as European tensions were rising after their 5-2 victory in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. According to details shared by RMC Sport, the Parisian manager had to manage both delicate individual situations and a renewed sense of collective purpose, with a dressing room determined to return to Champions League level.
“It feels like the Champions League started yesterday for the players”
“It feels like the Champions League started yesterday for the players,” confided a source close to the team. Regarding individual matters, Marquinhos had a personal issue during the week. The Parisian captain was unable to participate in all training sessions. The management and staff supported him through this difficult time.
Ultimately, Luis Enrique decided to start him alongside Pacho. Ousmane Dembélé also started, delivering a phenomenal performance, a true leader. Substituted in the second half, he didn’t leave the pitch injured.
“The goal of a back-to-back Champions League title is still the priority, but everyone knows it will be difficult.”
With his brace off the bench, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was immense. Starting on the bench, the Georgian was spurred on and gave Luis Enrique the wake-up call he needed. The goal of a back-to-back Champions League title is still the priority, but everyone knows it will be difficult. For the return leg against Chelsea, the idea will be to play to win, continuing to press high. To avoid any surprises, Paris doesn’t want to simply defend its home advantage.”
Beyond the scoreline, it’s Luis Enrique’s influence that truly stands out in this Parisian performance. By maintaining his approach, while adapting his choices to the players’ current form and weaknesses, the PSG coach has reminded his squad of their responsibilities without disrupting their momentum.
The handling of the Marquinhos situation, the 31-year-old defender, the continued confidence placed in Ousmane Dembélé, the 28-year-old striker, and the impact of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 25-year-old winger, all tell the same story: Paris chose to respond with action, not rhetoric.
The impression behind the scenes is one of a dressing room stung by its pride, aware that it must raise its game, and urged by its coach to play attacking football rather than playing cautiously.
