Graham Hunter
The dramatic transformation in football reached a peak on Saturday when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) not only claimed their first UEFA Champions League title but also completed a historic treble. This revival started when their inspiring coach, Luis Enrique, asserted that there was no alternative but to succeed in Paris.
During a conversation I had at the time, his declaration was unmistakable: “The top-tier team I’d never consider coaching is PSG.” Following this meeting, 19-year-old Senny Manail secured a stellar 5-0 victory that positioned PSG at the top of Champions League history after 70 years of competition.
This success in itself feels miraculous, among many others. When Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur approached him in the summer of 2023, Luis Enrique felt somewhat dissatisfied with their offers during three separate interviews.
He remarked during a session with Zoom Sports Films, “The clubs that truly want me will need to demonstrate that desire!” while we were filming a documentary with him. When Chelsea and Spurs envisioned him as a bold leader, they aimed for an interview with an impressive pedigree, reflecting on the success he had at Barcelona and the emergence of talents like ANSU Fati, Pedri, and Gavi.
Known to many as “Lucio,” he turned down Spurs, viewing Chelsea’s management as chaotic, while also feeling unsure about his English fluency. If you watched PSG dominate Inter Milan on Saturday, you’d notice poignant moments when Luis embraced Louis Campos, the 60-year-old Portuguese football director who was instrumental in assembling the 2016-17 Ligue 1 title-winning Monaco side, which included young stars like Kylian Mbappe.
Campos had journeyed from Paris to Catalonia, assuring Enrique: “We are 100% committed to your vision. We will support you, grant you full control over training and squad decisions, and while there are budget limits, we’ll aim for your desired signings.” Chelsea and Spurs merely assumed the Spaniard would jump at the chance, but PSG’s dedication proved another small miracle!
As Queen’s “We Are the Champions” echoed in Munich, the Inter players looked on, disheartened. When the PSG supporters displayed a tifo that depicted a memorable moment from 2015, celebrating Enrique’s first treble win with Barcelona alongside his late daughter, it was clear this was a heartfelt chapter in their saga.
Weeks prior, during an interview with UEFA, Enrique shared, “Once I joined PSG, we quickly aligned on our objectives. Our aim was to attract players who genuinely wanted to come to PSG: Willian Pacho, Joan Neves, Desire Doo.”
Campos ensured Enrique had his back, which he did. However, the joyful environment at the Allianz Arena contrasted with the atmosphere Enrique inherited at PSG, and notably included the perspective of President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. He advised Enrique not to buckle to pressure simply due to PSG’s Champions League ambitions, stressing: “You are here to build a project. We don’t need you to deliver a trophy right away.”
Enrique quickly countered: “I’ll begin today. I don’t plan projects with vague timelines—I aim to win immediately!” His first major roster decision led to Neymar’s departure, filled with heavy sentiments from the highs of 2015, yet he faced tough choices regarding Marco Verratti and Lionel Messi’s fate.
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How PSG won the Champions League without Kylian Mbappe
ESPN FC’s Stewart Robson analyzes PSG’s landmark victory without their star player.
Enrique’s urgency to achieve Champions League success stems from significant personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter Zana to cancer in 2019. As he stated, Zana was mentally present with the team during the finals, as PSG supporters honored her memory with their tifo display.
This emotional backdrop underscored Enrique’s drive to accomplish something substantial. His experiences shaped his approach to soccer, encouraging him to seize opportunities swiftly and meaningfully.
He reflected, “Traumatic events can forge you, both positively and negatively. I strive to find the good in every challenge.” Enrique’s uniqueness in football lies not only in his outspoken nature but also in his rare achievement of winning two trebles, showcasing his unwavering belief in his football philosophy.
Our documentary contributed to his rising profile, which now elevates to new heights as PSG dazzled against Inter with an extraordinary display of football. Their intricate play, tactical switches, and relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the match captivated spectators, making PSG an appealing team in the global football landscape.
Paris, known for its allure, now sees its football team gaining recognition, something previously out of reach. This is the transformative impact of Luis Enrique on PSG.
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Tears flowed in Paris as PSG clinched the Champions League title.
PSG fans erupted with joy as the final whistle confirmed a dominant 5-0 victory in the Champions League final.
My colleague and I visited Enrique at his Catalonia home the day after the Champions League draw of the season. In his debut season, PSG faced what he termed a “Death Group” against Milan, Dortmund, and Newcastle, battling to survive until the last match. They made it past the semi-finals, but the journey, including a tough quarterfinal matchup with Barcelona, was filled with challenges.
After the draw for the new Champions League format, he was astonished to see a qualification path that included Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. During a visit for our documentary, he expressed his frustration about the perceived injustices after PSG lost vital matches, needing a playoff to advance.
Finally, the turning point came when Mbappé exited, prompting Enrique to reposition Ousmane Dembélé in a leading role. Now faced with trust issues regarding penalty kicks, Enrique preferred to fine Mbappé and allowed Dembélé to demonstrate his commitment.
Enrique confidently stated toward the end of filming, “Do you believe I’ll excel in my second season? There’s no doubt! A player (Mbappé) departing at will posed challenges to our game management.”
Since then, PSG claimed four more trophies, achieving a comprehensive victory in French competitions and solidifying their status in the Champions League as the most successful team in the tournament’s 70-year history.
In summary, the football community celebrates the triumph of Luis Enrique, a coach who has proven that resilience and determination can lead to impossible achievements. Long live Louis Enrique, King of the Impossible!
Fan Take: Luis Enrique’s triumph with PSG marks a new chapter in football, showcasing leadership and resilience that inspires aspiring managers worldwide. This victory could signal a shift in the competition landscape, making the Champions League more unpredictable and exciting for fans everywhere.
