PSG: From stars to team, Luis Enrique’s metamorphosis towards the final.

The Transformation of PSG: From Egos to a Cohesive Team

Paris Saint-Germain has undergone a spectacular transformation, evolving from a team criticized and struggling in Europe to becoming the best team of 2025, alongside Barcelona, and playing football with intensity, creativity, and skill. This metamorphosis, which has taken them to the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan, has been driven by a radical change in their structure and mentality.

The turning point of PSG’s season occurred on January 22nd. The team, which at that moment was losing 2-0 against Manchester City, achieved an astonishing comeback, winning 4-2. This triumph was the catalyst for a series of important victories, including an outstanding performance against Stuttgart, where Ousmane Dembélé scored a hat-trick, securing their place in the knockout phase.

If we analyze everything that has happened in the Champions League this season, I think it would be a great thriller or a horror movie because it has had a bit of everything. That match against Manchester City changed something in us.

Luis Enrique

The victory against City triggered a winning streak against Premier League teams, eliminating Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal to reach the final. This achievement, according to Luis Enrique, is a recognition of the quality of Ligue 1, often underestimated.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot described the match against PSG as “the best football game I’ve been involved in.” Slot also praised Luis Enrique for creating a top-tier team in just three transfer windows. Luis Enrique has implemented a playing style based on teamwork and intensity. His objective is for all players to attack and defend together, pressing the opponent to regain the ball as quickly as possible. This strategy has transformed PSG into a dominant team, with the highest number of attacks, successful dribbles, pressing and counter-pressing, in addition to creating the most opportunities and making the most passes and shots in the Champions League.

PSG midfielder Vitinha highlighted that the change occurred in January against Manchester City, where they came back from a 2-0 deficit. This match marked a turning point for the team, showcasing the work done since August in terms of ball movement, transitions, and pressure.

Luis Enrique has known how to fit the pieces of the PSG puzzle. The relocation of Ousmane Dembélé as a center forward, the position of Vitinha as a defensive midfielder, and the freedom of Achraf Hakimi to join the attack have been key. A source revealed that the coach focused on teamwork, starting with pressure, then the counterattack, and adjusting the positions of Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Dembélé until achieving the desired team. The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January further strengthened the team, complementing Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola in the attack. Luis Enrique had all the tools for success.

PSG, despite not having won the Champions League, has shown that the change of direction, abandoning the policy of signing superstars, has paid off. The sporting director of an important European club points out that PSG is no longer seen as a destination for players that other teams want to sell.

PSG made the decision to change its approach a few years ago, seeking to connect with the fans and focusing on young talents. Although they still make mistakes in the transfer market, the club has achieved a successful transformation.

Luis Enrique, upon taking office in 2023, was clear that without the trio of superstars (Messi, Mbappé, and Neymar), he would not join the club. The coach implemented a philosophy based on teamwork and discipline, something that defender Lucas Hernández highlighted. The coach made sure that the players understood the importance of collective commitment and the need to defend and attack as a team.

Luis Enrique, with his methodical and passionate approach, has managed to create a cohesive team. Although there were adjustments in positional play in November at the players’ request, the team’s structure remained. Luis Enrique’s project, without the superstars, is progressing. The goal is to consolidate this young team and continue improving it. The summer transfer window looks calm, with some additions and possible departures, maintaining stability and continuity as the motto.