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Luis Enrique Takes Over PSG With a Mission to Win the Champions League and Play Attractive Football
In the first twelve years of Qatari ownership of the French club, PSG has had eight different coaches in charge. The club’s ultimate objective of winning the Champions League has not been met despite this hire-and-fire strategy.
The former coach of Spain and Barcelona, Luis Enrique, agreed to a two-year deal in July. Following Christophe Galtier’s dismissal, he assumed control. Now, Luis Enrique has two tasks on his plate: he must improve the team’s performance in Europe and present a more appealing style of football than his predecessors.
Luis Enrique’s appointment at PSG: A new cycle with a superior style of play, but a rocky start?
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi declared that Enrique’s appointment will start a new cycle and a superior style of play, but making such promises is frequently simpler than keeping them. The first task is a Saturday night home game against the tiny Lorient. Enrique intends to use his favored 4-3-3 formation in this encounter. However, even before he takes command of his first match, rumors in the Spanish press last weekend showed that he wants to quit PSG owing to his dissatisfaction with the handling of the Kylian Mbappe transfer problem.
Mbappe and Neymar’s Futures in Doubt at PSG
Because of the current impasse with the club, Enrique is doubtful whether Mbappe will join his side. L’Equipe, a famous sports daily, said on Monday that another superstar, Neymar, plans to leave this summer. PSG did not respond, but it has linked the Brazilian attacker with a return to Barcelona. These variables add to Enrique’s difficulties even before his first game.
Mbappe and PSG have been at odds since he notified the club last month that he would decline the option of a 12-month contract extension. This choice implies he might go for free next year unless the club sells him before the current transfer window closes.
Mbappe’s sixth coach at PSG: Can Luis Enrique finally deliver the Champions League?
If Mbappe stays for the season, he will work with his sixth coach since joining in 2017. The preceding coaches could not earn a Champions League triumph. Only Thomas Tuchel made it to the final of the pandemic-shortened 2020 edition.
Since Spain’s World Cup elimination last year, Enrique has been without a job. He pledged to stick to the offensive stance that helped him become well-known at Barca. With an offense that included Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Messi for Barca, he won the treble in 2015. Since Messi joined Inter Miami in the MLS, Enrique won’t be able to welcome him back. He enters as PSG is going through a big shift. But he has also completely restructured teams in the past, as he did with Spain after their exit from the World Cup in Russia’s round of 16.
PSG linked with Dembele and Kane as Mbappe replacements
Enrique will mainly rely on Neymar, presuming he remains, and any new player to reinforce the attack if PSG sells Mbappe. According to several rumors, PSG is likely to sign the talented French winger Ousmane Dembele. Dembele’s pace even rivals that of Mbappe, but he lacks the same ability to score goals, scoring just four goals in 37 games for France and 40 for Barcelona in 185 games.
To replace Mbappe, Enrique would need a top-tier striker, but there aren’t many available. Harry Kane of England is being pursued by Bayern Munich, while Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona, who will turn 35 on August 21, is too old for a long-term deal.
PSG’s search for a new center forward continues
PSG has increased its interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani. He’s a quick and skillful player who is still honing his finishing talents; he set a career-high with 15 league goals last season.
PSG’s options are restricted without Mbappe or a renowned alternative for him. Hugo Ekitike scored three league goals in his debut season with PSG, prompting the club to explore moving the 21-year-old.
Enrique experimented with formations during the preseason trip in Japan and South Korea. PSG only managed one win. It also considered Marco Asensio for the center forward position.
During his time at Real Madrid, Asensio showed off his goal-scoring ability, frequently unleashing powerful efforts from outside the penalty area. He lacks innate intuition, though.
PSG Strengthens Defense with Lucas Hernandez Signing
PSG strengthened their defense by acquiring 2018 World Cup-winning left-back Lucas Hernandez from France. They also signed Goncalo Ramos, a 22-year-old Portuguese attacker, on a season-long loan. However, Ramos, who scored 27 goals in 47 appearances for Benfica last season, lacks top-flight experience.
Enrique should be able to win another league title, with Marseille being the only credible rival. However, whether or not Mbappe is on the team, contending for the elusive Champions League crown may be too much for Enrique in his first season.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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