Forty-five goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. That was the perfect milestone Luis Enrique needed to cement his name in the pantheon of European football as he completed a full football circle.
Enrique guided Paris Saint-Germain to a historic second successive Champions League title at the Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary, following a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over newly crowned English Premier League (EPL) champions Arsenal after the game ended 1-1 following extra time.
The victory was sweet for Enrique. It came against his Spanish counterpart, Mikel Arteta, whom he had nicknamed Mikelito after the duo forged a strong bond at Barcelona, where Enrique was a first-team player while Arteta was in the La Masia academy.
The victory was even sweeter for Enrique. He joined an illustrious class of managers – Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola – who have won the coveted title on three occasions, two behind the competition's supreme master, Carlo Ancelotti.
Doing It His Way
The victory was the sweetest for Enrique. He did things his way. PSG were the most lethal team in the competition, scoring 45 goals throughout the tournament – matching the record set by Barcelona 26 years ago when Enrique and his teammates reached the semi-finals under Louis van Gaal.
Barcelona’s goals were spread across the team, with 13 different players finding the back of the net. The trio of Rivaldo (10), Patrick Kluivert (7) and Enrique (6) led from the front.
Perhaps it was then and there that Enrique developed his admiration for a free-flowing approach. In a collective manner, his teams, both at club and international level, have adopted a robust attacking game plan in major tournaments.
Enrique’s game plan has made him both a hero and a villain of his own success, especially at PSG, where he transformed the team from one of football’s most star-studded sides into one of Europe’s most cohesive units.
The Power Of Collective Responsibility
This season, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia contributed 10 goals in Europe, while Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Désiré Doué found the back of the net eight, six and five times respectively.
Their contribution was noteworthy, but the fact that 10 of their goals were scored by substitutes, breaking the previous Champions League record set by Kaiserslautern in 1998/99, spoke volumes about the team’s strength across the board.
The cohesion built by Enrique has certainly brought out the best in his players as well. Kvaratskhelia was named the Champions League Player of the Season, not only etching his name into the competition’s history books but also elevating his status on the global stage.
The Georgian, through the guidance of Enrique and his teammates, set European football alight with his trickery, quick feet, eye for goal and ability to read the game and position himself to pounce on second balls.
Dembélé's Remarkable Resurgence
His ever-present influence has inspired and elevated his teammates. Dembélé arrived at PSG three seasons ago eager to rediscover the blistering form he displayed at Borussia Dortmund following a disappointing, injury-plagued spell at Barcelona.
Through the support of his teammates, Dembélé was not only the best player in Europe in his second season at the club but arguably the best in the world, winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or after helping PSG secure the continental title.
Dembélé’s resurgence has been shaped by Enrique, who believes he brings value not only through goals but also through his contribution to the team’s overall structure. Notably, Dembélé does not sulk when substituted; instead, he takes on the role of a secondary coach on the touchline, offering instructions and encouragement.
The Frenchman’s team-player qualities reflect Enrique’s “school of the perfect teammate”, as he has also played the villain in the story of players such as Kylian Mbappé, whom he was willing to let leave because he felt the forward offered little beyond individual brilliance and goals.
No Room For Superstars
Enrique’s overall philosophy has left little room for “superstars” in his team. So much so that he allowed Gianluigi Donnarumma to depart last season despite the goalkeeper being regarded as one of Europe’s best following PSG’s Champions League triumph.
While Donnarumma’s departure allegedly stemmed from his desire for an improved contract, reports also suggested that Enrique wanted a more modern goalkeeper capable of contributing to the team’s build-up play.
Lucas Chevalier was tipped to be Donnarumma’s successor, but Matvey Safonov has since emerged as the Parisians’ No. 1, featuring in most matches during the second half of the season across all competitions.
Safonov may not possess all of Donnarumma’s qualities, but he is exactly what Enrique requires – a goalkeeper who plays to both his strengths and those of the team. That is why he commands immense respect from his defence, including captain Marquinhos and African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi.
Building World Cup Contenders
Most of PSG’s players will now head off on international duty at the World Cup in North America, eager to help their countries claim football’s ultimate prize. Given the foundations and principles Enrique has instilled in them – a winning mentality and a commitment to playing for the badge – nations boasting several PSG players are already among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Should that happen, those same players could also emerge as leading contenders for the coveted Ballon d’Or – a reality that could once again favour Dembélé if he guides France to global glory.
After all, history favours Enrique's leading men. When he won his maiden Champions League title with Barcelona in 2014/15, Lionel Messi went on to claim the Ballon d’Or. More than a decade later, Dembélé has followed a similar path after helping PSG conquer Europe.
The Enrique Blueprint
Enrique’s firepower-driven approach has served him well over the years, and that is why the blend of cohesion and efficiency continues to deliver success for him at PSG.
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