PSG won the Champions League after a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. |
In the early morning of June 1, PSG defeated Inter Milan 5-0 to win the Champions League. It was not only a victory for a team that was once derided as a “state toy”, but also an acknowledgement by the football world that reform can truly create value.
PSG have never been a team with a shared vision. They have a dark past, a long list of superstars and a seemingly endless supply of Qatari money. But this season, PSG are no longer a symbol of empty glamour. Under Luis Enrique, the French capital club has completely transformed itself - not just in tactics, but also in identity and spirit.
From "bling-bling" to real character
PSG used to be a symbol of "commercialized" football, with contracts such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and even David Beckham. They did not lack talent, did not lack money, just lacked... a real team. The problem of "player power" - the power of players overpowering the coach - once made PSG a chaotic stage of giant egos.
But that’s all changing. President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has made it clear that the era of “bling-bling” – slang for flashy, ostentatious or elaborate jewellery and accessories – is over. The heavy-handed moves – like suspending Messi for unexcused absences, or letting Mbappe go without a second thought – are testament to his determination to rebuild.
More importantly, the presence of Luis Enrique has breathed new life into PSG. No longer a playground for scattered superstars, PSG is now a cohesive, disciplined and tactically rich collective. The philosophy of “the only star is the collective” is being thoroughly implemented.
Not Manchester City or Bayern Munich, PSG are the most inspiring team in this season's Champions League. From the spectacular comeback against Man City in the group stage, to the convincing series of eliminations against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal - PSG have made the whole of Europe look at them in a different light.
Under Luis Enrique's hand, everything at PSG changed |
High pressing, intelligent possession, explosive wing play and an uncompromising attacking style - PSG embody modern yet spontaneous football. Dembele is at his peak, Kvaratskhelia is a real "monster" on the left wing, and the young trio of Doue - Barcola - Zaire-Emery bring speed, technique and youthful audacity.
The stats don't lie. PSG lead the Champions League this season in dribbles, chances created, shots and attacks. All within a tight tactical framework that doesn't stifle individuality - something English teams seem to be losing in the "tactical overload".
On the other hand, PSG has quietly become the most homegrown team among Europe’s giants. With over 40% of the playing time going to French players, most of whom are Parisians, PSG are not only building their own future – they are also helping to revive the pride of French football.
From a club once criticized for “not taking advantage of the academy”, PSG now has six “homegrown” players regularly participating in the first team. The 300 million euro training center in Poissy is an affirmation of the long-term vision: to create a PSG “of Parisians, for Paris”.
This is also something that not many big clubs in the Premier League can do. Amidst the wave of massive imports, PSG is returning to the core value of local identity - something that seems outdated, but is actually very timely.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique is not noisy, nor does he seek advice from the media. But he is showing that he is one of the most excellent and respected strategists in Europe today. From the tragedy of losing his daughter Xana in 2019, Enrique did not collapse - he came back stronger, deeper and with special emotional depth.
PSG won the Champions League after many years of waiting. |
Under him, PSG are no longer a cold, money-driven machine, but a vibrant team with ambition and depth of spirit. Enrique won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015 - and has now become only the second man in history to win the European Cup with two different clubs (after Pep Guardiola).
With a youthful squad, without a dominant superstar, Enrique's PSG are writing an inspiring story - where tragedy, rebirth and football come together.
PSG won in the eyes of football lovers
PSG are still a club with huge financial backing. They are still a symbol of Qatar’s soft power in football. But if you look closely at what is happening, you will see that PSG are no longer the hated “outsiders”.
They have gone through the humiliation of ineffective luxury, experienced bitter failures, and now choose to start over. Youth, discipline, identity, and a coach with human depth - PSG are trying to go the right way, even though they know it will be much more difficult than "throwing money to buy titles".
PSG's triumph in Munich was not just their first Champions League trophy - it was recognition that modern football still has room for those who dare to correct mistakes, dare to start over and dare to believe in lasting value.
And if you've ever hated PSG, then maybe it's time to look at them with different eyes.
Source: https://znews.vn/psg-cham-tay-den-vinh-quang-sau-chuoi-ngay-tui-ho-post1557344.html
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