Luis Enrique’s Revolution at PSG: From Stars to System

Without Messi, Neymar, or Mbappe, Luis Enrique has transformed PSG into a formidable force with a genuine shot at their first ever Champions League title.

Ten years after guiding Barcelona to Champions League glory with the iconic MSN trio of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar, Luis Enrique now stands on the brink of making history again. Should PSG lift the trophy this season, Enrique would rank just behind Ernst Happel and Jupp Heynckes for the longest gap between Champions League titles as a manager.

But even before potentially conquering Europe again, Enrique has already made his mark in Paris. This season, PSG have recorded the highest number of dribbles (195) in a single Champions League campaign since Enrique’s own Barcelona side achieved 238 a decade ago, link thapcamtv

A Style Signature, Not Coincidence

The parallel is no accident. That both dribble-heavy teams were managed by Enrique with entirely different squads underlines his tactical DNA. His PSG plays with creative freedom, yet within a clear tactical framework—featuring rising stars, a dependable goalkeeper, complementing center backs, versatile full-backs, and a growing midfield engine.

What sets Enrique’s team apart is their pace and fluidity in attack. Ousmane Dembele is enjoying perhaps the best season of his career, while young talents like Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue bring energy and flair. The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has added a new dimension to the attack.

Fluidity, Intensity, and Control

It’s a brand of football that blends precision passing with high-speed execution. “He uses a false nine to gain numerical superiority in midfield and launch relentless attacks,” said former Spanish international Oscar Garcia in an interview with Sky Sports. “He wants the entire team to participate in buildup play and press collectively after losing possession. It’s a joy to watch—and it’s pure Enrique.”

Oscar, once a teammate of Enrique at Barcelona and former coach at Stade Reims, noted how PSG’s current system differs drastically from the previous star-heavy era with Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe. “Back then, the focus was on individual brilliance—their goals, assists, and moments. Now it’s about the collective.” Read more thapcamtv.my

From Stars to Collective Brilliance

Enrique has proven there’s more than one formula for success. At Barca, his trophies came with legends like Messi and Neymar. “But the most important thing is building a strong collective,” Oscar emphasized. “Even when you have stars, if the team is not united, titles become harder to win.”

Summer 2024 saw Kylian Mbappe leave for Real Madrid in a blockbuster move expected to boost both sides. Ironically, it’s PSG who seem to have gained more.

“Enrique probably prefers this version of PSG,” Oscar laughed. “There are no big egos—just a team shaped in his image. Sure, having elite players increases your chances of winning, but unity is what truly matters. Without it, you’re just a group of individuals. With it, you’re a family.”

Luis Enrique didn’t face the same scrutiny as Luis Figo did for his switch between the Clasico giants, but his journey from Real to Barca shaped the mindset he instills today—a relentless focus on team over talent.