Silke Mayr Paris Saint-Germain has entered a new chapter. After the departure of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid, the French club officially closed the curtain on its superstar era. With Lionel Messi and Neymar already gone, PSG embraced a complete shift. Head coach Luis Enrique took control in July 2023, marking the start of a bold rebuild based on youth, discipline, and teamwork.
Enrique convinced club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting advisor Luis Campos to support a fresh approach. The goal was clear: move away from individual brilliance and toward a collective mindset. Now, PSG is just one match away from a historic UEFA Champions League title. Only Inter Milan stands in their way.
The new-look PSG team includes rising stars like 19-year-old Desire Doue and dynamic winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. These players reflect the club’s renewed identity—young, focused, and eager. Luis Enrique, known for his deep thinking and calm style, has brought a fresh spirit to the squad. He starts each day walking barefoot on the training pitch, a routine he believes helps him stay grounded and connected to nature.
Enrique’s arrival marked a turning point. The club chose him over more high-profile managers because of his long-term vision. While other coaches like Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte offered proven track records, PSG wanted a builder, not just a winner. Former club legend Rai praised Enrique’s fast impact, especially his ability to bring structure and belief to young players.
One key difference under Enrique is control. Unlike past coaches, he demanded full authority before accepting the job. In earlier years, big names like Mbappé or Neymar often influenced decisions behind the scenes. But Enrique ended that dynamic. Now, players know who leads. He even benched Ousmane Dembélé after a poor performance, sending a clear message: no one is above the team.
Enrique’s life is built on discipline. He once completed the Ironman race in Frankfurt and the tough Marathon des Sables in the Sahara. But perhaps his greatest test came in 2019 when his daughter Xana passed away from cancer. He continues to honor her memory, often speaking about her presence in his life.
He once said, “If they fire me, I’ll just go on a long cycling trip. No worries.” That mindset keeps him calm under pressure. If PSG wins the Champions League final, it will be both a sporting triumph and a deeply personal moment for Enrique.
With Mbappé gone, Enrique had the freedom to shape PSG’s playing style. He focused on teamwork instead of individual fame. The strategy paid off quickly. One key moment was a 4-2 win over Manchester City in Paris. It marked the rise of players like Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Dembélé, who played with speed and confidence.
From there, PSG defeated top English clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. In January, they signed Kvaratskhelia from Napoli for €70 million plus bonuses. His unpredictable dribbling and creativity added new power to PSG’s attack. A top analyst said, “Defenders need double coverage against him, yet he still finds space.”
Enrique worked closely with the team’s younger stars, helping them stay calm under pressure. Rai described them as skillful, brave, and well-disciplined. That balance has become PSG’s strength.
This season, PSG has the youngest team in the Champions League knockout rounds. Their average age is just over 24 years. They also lead the tournament in high pressing, with 37 turnovers ending in shots. That energy will be tested against Inter Milan, whose players average over 30 years and bring deep experience.
Veterans like captain Marquinhos and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma offer balance. Their leadership and timely saves have helped PSG survive tough moments in the competition.
Fans are also part of the story. The club’s most passionate supporters, the Virage Auteuil ultras, will fill the stadium in Munich. They missed the 2020 final because of pandemic rules, but this time, they will be there in full force. Their banners have sent powerful messages all season, such as “Beaten By The Waves, Paris Never Sunk.”
After years of setbacks, including five exits in the Round of 16 over the past decade, the fans believe this is the moment. Paris Saint-Germain is now one win from rewriting its history. They no longer rely on star power—they rely on unity, discipline, and belief.