Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has made a significant impact on the club since his appointment in the summer of 2023. Under his leadership, PSG has transformed its playing style and philosophy, departing from the previous focus on individual star power to a more collective team approach. The team no longer relies on big names or a single superstar; instead, Enrique has emphasized a balanced squad where each player contributes meaningfully to the team's success.
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In his first season, Enrique has already achieved remarkable success, securing the domestic treble, which includes the French Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup. This success is impressive, especially considering the high expectations surrounding PSG and the immense pressure placed on the manager. Additionally, Enrique has guided the team to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, showcasing the team's resilience and competitive edge in Europe’s premier club competition.
Enrique's ability to implement his vision effectively is evident in the progress PSG is making in the current season. With just one point separating them from winning Ligue 1, Enrique’s team is on track to repeat the domestic treble for a second consecutive year. The team's recent victory in the French Super Cup was followed by an outstanding performance in the league, where they are now within touching distance of the title. In the French Cup, PSG has reached the semifinals, where they will face Dunkerque. If they advance to the final, they will play the winner of the match between Caen and Reims, further strengthening their hopes of securing all domestic honors for a second straight year.
On the international front, PSG is gearing up for a crucial clash against Aston Villa in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The team has had to navigate a challenging group stage and successfully overcame Liverpool in the Round of 16, underlining their ability to compete with Europe’s elite. This represents a promising opportunity for PSG to assert themselves as one of the top contenders in European football, with Enrique at the helm guiding the team with his tactical astuteness and leadership.
One of the most significant challenges that many teams face this season is the intense fixture schedule due to congested calendars. However, Enrique has managed to navigate this challenge successfully by building a squad that is both strong and well-balanced. Unlike many managers who rely heavily on a small group of core players, Enrique has consistently rotated his squad to ensure that multiple players get significant playing time and are kept fresh throughout the season.
Before PSG's commanding 6-1 victory over Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1, Enrique made an important statement about the depth of his squad, saying, "I have more than 17 players who have played over 2,000 minutes this season." This reflects his commitment to rotating his squad and ensuring that no player is overburdened, which in turn has helped maintain high levels of performance across all competitions.
Enrique's approach has been about fostering competition within the squad and ensuring that players do not become complacent. He has repeatedly stressed that there are no guaranteed starters, with the aim of having 18 or 19 key players capable of performing at the highest level. This strategy has paid off, as the team has demonstrated a collective strength that has been critical to their success this season.
The most used players in the squad this season provide a glimpse into the balance of the team. According to data from Transfermarkt, Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho leads the team in minutes played with 3,320, followed closely by Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, who has accumulated 3,114 minutes. Hakimi has been an integral part of the team not just in terms of defensive stability but also in attack, contributing with several key goals and assists. Hakimi’s consistency has been a major factor in PSG's success, and his contributions have been pivotal in their strong performances both domestically and in Europe.
In addition to Hakimi, several other players have been crucial to PSG’s success this season. French winger Bradley Barcola, Portuguese midfielder Vitinha, and the versatile João Neves have all played over 2,800 minutes, contributing significantly to the team’s performances. The depth of talent across the squad, with players like Marquinhos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Nuno Mendes also putting in solid performances, highlights the strength of the PSG squad and the successful implementation of Enrique’s rotation policy.
On the other hand, some players have struggled with injuries or have had limited opportunities this season. French defender Lucas Hernández, who is recovering from a second cruciate ligament injury, has seen limited game time, as have younger players like Mayolo, Zaji, Ibrahima Mbaye, and Axel Tabi. Additionally, third-choice goalkeeper Arnau Tenas and central defender Presnel Kimpembe, who has been sidelined for almost two years due to injuries, have had limited involvement in the team’s campaign.
Overall, Luis Enrique has revitalized Paris Saint-Germain, transforming the team into a more balanced and cohesive unit. By focusing on collective success rather than individual stardom, Enrique has led PSG to domestic dominance and placed them firmly in the hunt for European glory. His ability to manage a squad with depth and rotate players effectively has been key to the team's success this season. With one point needed to secure Ligue 1 and the prospect of repeating the domestic treble, PSG under Enrique is on the verge of achieving even greater success in the coming months.
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