Frédéric Déhu, former Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique de Marseille, and France national team (5 caps) player, shared a sharp analysis with Le Parisien on PSG’s transformation under Luis Enrique, especially following Kylian Mbappé’s departure (26). He highlighted the collective liberation of the squad, Ousmane Dembélé’s emergence (28), and the threat posed by Inter Milan, PSG’s Champions League final opponent.
Déhu: “PSG with Kylian was a good team, but without him, they are better.”
“Luis Enrique said the team would be better without Mbappé, and he was right…
It’s something we see often when a major star is present—the team revolves around them. Now, players like Dembélé have taken on more responsibility. Many have stepped up, but this isn’t criticism of Mbappé. PSG with Kylian was a good team, but without him, they are better because everyone plays toward a collective idea.”
Déhu: “Inzaghi has built a team that never gives up.”
Is PSG the favorite against Inter Milan?
“Inter’s win over Barcelona in the semi-finals changed everyone’s perception. Scoring seven goals against this great Barça speaks volumes about their strength.”
What is Inter’s biggest strength?
“Experience. It’s a team that has played together for years, with a core of players who know each other perfectly. Inzaghi has built a side that never gives up, with a dressing room full of warriors, as we saw against Barcelona.”
A New Era for PSG
PSG has closed the gap with Europe’s elite. A team has been born, expectations have risen, and Paris is now spoken of among the best clubs in Europe. The transformation is striking—just last year, PSG was criticized for its shortcomings. This season, key signings and departures, including Mbappé, have dramatically reshaped the team’s identity.
Everyone runs, defends, and attacks, making a huge difference. With Mbappé, PSG was arguably stronger offensively, but football is about balance, and Mbappé’s defensive limitations sometimes disrupted the collective structure.
Throughout this season, when PSG faced adversity, the squad fought together to prevent setbacks. Inter Milan shares a similar mentality, and this Champions League final promises to be a thrilling battle between two high-intensity teams.
