Paris Saint-Germain has reached the UEFA Champions League final under coach Luis Enrique, defying expectations after the departure of star player Kylian Mbappé. The team's success marks a shift from a reliance on individual talent to a more cohesive unit approach.
A year ago, as Mbappé's exit was confirmed, Luis Enrique predicted that the club would be a better team in 2025 without him. That statement, initially met with skepticism by some, appears borne out by the team's performance this season. The club is in contention for a historic Treble, already securing the league title in early April.
The Paris Saint-Germain squad under Luis Enrique now operates with players contributing in all phases of the game. Data reflects improved collective performance, with players like Ousmane Dembélé stepping up offensively and others such as Barcola and Doué making contributions. New additions like Kvaratskhelia have also embraced defensive responsibilities.
The team has also broken several records, including a lengthy undefeated streak away from home. The club's ability to overcome past European struggles indicates a newfound resilience. This year, PSG has eliminated strong teams from the Premier League in the Champions League, including beat Arsenal in the semifinals.
The club has shown faith in the coach's long-term vision. Luis Enrique signed a new contract through 2027 in January, formalizing an agreement made last August. Club officials Luis Campos and Al Khelaïfi have publicly supported him, providing stability not always present in previous seasons that saw frequent coaching changes after European defeats.
The path to the Champions League final presents a possibility that the team could win the coveted European title in the season immediately following Mbappé's departure. This mirrors situations seen before in football. Eden Hazard left Chelsea before they won the Champions League, and Raheem Sterling departed Manchester City before they achieved the same feat.
Players who previously struggled have thrived under Luis Enrique. Goalkeeper Donnarumma, who faced past criticism for errors in European play, has delivered strong performances. Fabián Ruiz, who Luis Enrique did not select for a past international tournament, has become a key player for the team. Luis Enrique acknowledged his previous decision regarding Fabián Ruiz, stating, "I was wrong."
