In an exclusive interview with Rio Ferdinand, relayed by RMC Sport, Vitinha (24, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder) spoke at length about the tactical changes introduced by Luis Enrique this season. The Portuguese midfielder praised the Spanish coach’s influence and insisted on the importance of a united collective, where everyone attacks and defends together, the key to Parisian success.
Vitinha “It’s very difficult for opponents”.
“The team started the season with principles that were already well assimilated, and the coach tried to incorporate even more mobility. Today, a n°6 can be an 8, an 8 can be a 10, a 10 can be a 6 and with the forwards, you never know if they’re on the left, the right or in the middle. It’s very difficult for opponents. The coach tried to put that in place and I think that was the key. It’s very difficult for the other teams, whether they press one-on-one or whether they don’t press and choose to stay in a low block.
Vitinha “We players are aware that our movements have a purpose, a goal”.
We players are aware that our movements have a purpose, a goal. The players on the pitch always feel in control of the situation. If Ousmane finds himself on the left, he knows what he has to do, if he’s on the right he also knows how he has to play, and the same goes for when he’s more axial. He’ll know what to do. We all know what we have to do, whatever our position on the pitch. And that’s important. When you have that mobility, you have control. That’s the way soccer has evolved. Teams are tactically armed and incredibly well organized.
Vitinha “If you don’t come back to defend, another player will take your place”.
It’s even more important for us PSG midfielders, who aren’t defensive players; we don’t have that profile. If we didn’t have this support from the forwards, it would be harder for us midfielders, and harder for the defenders. The key to our success is what the coach managed to do by explaining to the forwards that it was their duty to defend. If you don’t come back to defend, another player will take your place.”
Under Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain have undergone a major transformation this season, marked by unprecedented tactical flexibility and a culture of effort shared by all players. Vitinha points out that the Spanish coach has succeeded in creating a dynamic in which mobility and adaptability have become central: each player can occupy different roles according to the needs of the match, making PSG difficult to read for their opponents.
This flexibility, combined with the demand for total defensive commitment, particularly from the forwards, has strengthened the team’s balance. Vitinha insists that without the defensive support of the attacking players, the task would be much harder for the midfielders and defenders. Luis Enrique has thus succeeded in convincing his stars that defending is everyone’s business, instilling a collective mentality where everyone knows that, if they don’t make the effort, someone else will take their place. According to Vitinha, this change in mindset, combined with greater freedom of interpretation on the pitch, is the key to PSG’s revival and renewed ambitions this season
