Luis Enrique praises the collective effort of the PSG team on their journey to the UEFA Champions League final, despite the loss of Kylian Mbappe.

‘Making history was the plan from the first day’ – Enrique on achieving greatness with PSG

In a bold statement, PSG manager Luis Enrique has declared that his team has improved significantly this season, even in the wake of Kylian Mbappe’s high-profile departure to Real Madrid last year.

Mbappe was a key figure in a star-studded Parisian lineup that included the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi. Despite the wealth of talent assembled in the French capital, PSG fell short in their quest for the UEFA Champions League, the trophy they coveted most.

Now, with Mbappe gone and fresh faces like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue stepping up, Enrique’s side is poised as favourites to claim the coveted crown against Inter this weekend, with the match set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

“It was stimulus for all the players,” Enrique remarked when asked about the transformation of his youthful squad since Mbappe’s exit. “We tried to manage the way we play, and I have to say everybody gets involved, everybody does the positive things. As a team we are very happy because we are better than last year, on and off the ball.”

Mbappe often faced criticism for his individualistic style in a PSG team that sometimes appeared disjointed. However, his absence has paved the way for a more tactically disciplined and harmonious unit, with pundit Owen Hargreaves suggesting that Enrique has turned PSG into “everyone’s second favourite side.”

“Well, it’s a special match without any doubt because making history in Paris means winning the trophy,” the Spaniard continued. “It’s a great day because we have the possibility to train with the team for the last match of the season, and we play the Champions League final. Everybody is watching that match. It’s a nice moment for us and we are going to try to get the trophy.”

On their journey to the final, PSG overcame four Premier League teams, providing Enrique with an opportunity to counter the ‘farmers league’ label that has often been thrown at Ligue 1.

“It was a lighthearted joke,” he said, “but I have to say, our path was very difficult. You can see that the Europa League and Conference League were won by English teams; the level of the Premier League is high. We were lucky sometimes against English teams. It was difficult, but I think we deserve to get this moment.”

Enrique concluded with a hopeful note, “It’s going to be great, but above all, because we are going to make a lot of people happy in a country like France and in Paris, and it means a lot.”

The Champions League final kicks off at 8pm UK time on Saturday, May 31. Coverage begins at 6pm on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+, live from the Allianz Arena in Munich.