Following the acquisition of PSG by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, the club known as Les Parisiens was often viewed unfavorably across Europe. They were widely regarded as a disorganized and wasteful collection of excessively paid players, whose spot in the Champions League was almost assured due to their dominance in Ligue 1.
However, their performance in the top European competition frequently fell short of expectations, leading to a reputation for dramatically collapsing under pressure (“bottlers”). Notable instances include the “Remontada” against Barcelona in 2017 and the second-half meltdown at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2022. These failures made PSG a subject of ridicule. In 2023, PSG replaced Christophe Galtier with Luis Enrique, who promptly indicated to key figures of the QSI era, Neymar Jr. and Marco Verratti, that they should seek opportunities elsewhere. This marked a turning point, after which PSG began to be perceived more positively on their path to Saturday`s Champions League final. Here`s a look at the reasons.
Luis Enrique: The Dynamic Manager with a Firm Hand
PSG had employed several prominent coaches over the years, but few have made as significant an impact as the former Spain coach. Luis Enrique successfully molded an underperforming group into a formidable and unified team. He has shaped the squad to reflect his own characteristics: self-assured, energetic, well-organized, and astute.
The team spirit fostered by Luis Enrique is evident, for example, when forwards track back to support their teammates – a sight rarely seen when Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé played alongside each other. He has also excelled at maximizing the potential of players in their prime, such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, and notably Ousmane Dembélé, whose transformation from a wild right winger to an effective central attacker was particularly surprising.
His tactical approach, results, willingness to learn French, capacity for self-reflection on past errors, and graceful handling of personal difficulties have all earned him admiration.
A Consistent Sporting Strategy
A frequent criticism leveled against PSG before 2025 was the significant disconnect between the squad`s actual needs and the players signed. A prime illustration is the acquisition of Lionel Messi as a free agent in 2021. From a purely sporting perspective, bringing in the Argentine icon made little sense, and his two-year tenure can be seen as unsuccessful for both him and the club. A similar point could be made regarding Sergio Ramos.
Fortunately, the club appears to have learned from past mistakes. Under the direction of Sporting Director Luis Campos, PSG has moved away from a focus on high-profile signings towards a youth-oriented approach prioritizing French talent, whose motivation to represent the nation`s top club is undeniable. However, this strategic shift hasn`t been entirely smooth. For instance, two years ago, the club spent heavily on players like Randal Kolo Muani (€90m) and Manuel Ugarte (€60m), and attracted free agents like Milan Skriniar and Marco Asensio with substantial salaries.
Recent transfer windows, however, demonstrate PSG`s improved decision-making. They acquired João Neves from Benfica for €60m (half his release clause) and subsequently sold Ugarte (whose fouling and lack of pace hindered Luis Enrique`s system) for a comparable fee. Neves has been a major success, as has Désiré Doué.
While PSG remains a state-backed club with significant financial resources, they are now perceived as more serious players in the transfer market. Furthermore, the Ligue 1 champions are willing to invest heavily when a particularly attractive opportunity arises, like the situation with Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who reportedly seeks a move.
A Transformed Work Ethic
The Georgian winger quickly integrated into the team and represents the new ethos at PSG. Kvaratskhelia combines classic flair (low socks, George Best-esque appearance, superb dribbling) with the demands of a modern winger. He is a selfless and hardworking player, exemplified by his performance against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, where he assisted Dembélé`s opening goal, won possession multiple times, and aided Nuno Mendes in containing Bukayo Saka.
The willingness of PSG players to collaborate is also evident in how their attacking trio fluidly interchanges positions, making them harder to predict. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, widely regarded as one of the world`s best central defenders, recently commented on being impressed by Les Parisiens` playing style and the intensity they demonstrated.
Just a few years ago, PSG would likely have faltered in a crucial match played in a challenging atmosphere like Anfield. However, this current PSG team—full of energy, persistence, and youth—is fundamentally different. This Saturday, they have the chance to become only the second French club to lift the most prestigious trophy in club football, the Champions League. Even if they don`t succeed, they will have gained something previously missing: wider appeal and the respect of their opponents.
