PSG’s Revolution Targets Champions League Glory

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Paris Saint-Germain are one match from history, facing Inter Milan in the Champions League final on Saturday in Munich. Under Luis Enrique’s bold leadership, PSG have transformed from a star-driven outfit into a cohesive, disciplined unit, with Ousmane Dembele’s stunning reinvention as a lethal striker symbolising their new era.

Enrique’s Tactical Overhaul

Since Qatar Sports Investments took over in 2011, PSG’s domestic dominance—another Ligue 1 title and a record-extending 16th French Cup this season—hasn’t matched European success. Their sole Champions League final ended in a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020. Luis Enrique, arriving last year, changed that. Rejecting the old philosophy of indulging superstars like Kylian Mbappe, now at Real Madrid, he instilled intense training, tactical rigour, and collective responsibility. “Our game isn’t about letting one player do what he wants,” Enrique declared, a jab at the Mbappe era. The result? A squad former PSG boss Luis Fernandez calls “the best collective” since the Qatari takeover, with camaraderie shining in their semi-final win over Arsenal.

Dembele’s Stunning Transformation

Ousmane Dembele, once a frustrating winger, has become PSG’s talisman. Enrique’s decision to bench him against Arsenal in February sparked a remarkable turnaround. Shifted to a central No. 9 role, the 27-year-old has scored 32 goals in 40 appearances this season, including 21 in Ligue 1, with his conversion rate doubling to 26.7%. “Playing as No. 9 brings me closer to goal,” Dembele said. His versatility—scoring with both feet and headers—has made him a nightmare for defenders, though missing four chances in the French Cup final showed he’s not infallible.

Inter’s Challenge Awaits

Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, stand in PSG’s way. Champions League winners in 2010, Inter boast stars like Lautaro Martinez and goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who could rival PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma in what Gianluigi Buffon calls a “final of goalkeepers.” Fernandez warns PSG must tighten up on set pieces, a rare weak spot. “In open play, PSG are the better side,” he said, but Inter’s streetwise approach will test their resolve.

A Historic Moment

Enrique, radiating confidence, said: “We’ve been preparing for 11 months.” Win or lose, his PSG have redefined themselves. Dembele’s redemption and a united squad make Saturday’s final a chance to crown a revolution and claim European football’s holy grail.