Luis Enrique has done it again. The Asturian coach is close to achieving his second treble. This time with Paris Saint-Germain, and all of this without Kylian Mbappé as the central axis of the project.
"PSG Is Better Without Mbappé"
In fact, the coach has not only survived without the French star, but time and results have proven him right: PSG is better without Mbappé.
Just a year ago, when Mbappé's departure was becoming a certainty, Luis Enrique surprised with a strong statement: "My team will be better next season." Many interpreted it as a jab at the Bondy forward, and now, with PSG unstoppable in France and Europe, his statement makes more sense than ever.
This season's PSG is a perfect machine. Under the leadership of Dembélé, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery, or Kolo Muani, the team has shown maturity and versatility. Especially in the most difficult moments.
A Jab at Mbappé
"I'm very fortunate to have such versatile players," he pointed out after eliminating Aston Villa in the Conference League semifinals. Another indirect message for Mbappé?
No one misses Mbappé in Paris. Ligue 1 is already in the bag, and it's the fifth title in France for Luis Enrique and his solid, disciplined, and lethal squad.
"Now the star is the team," said Al-Khelaïfi in November. And many are already clear: the true star is the coach.
Luis Enrique has broken with the idea that everything revolved around Mbappé. This PSG, which moves forward without relying on individualities, has shown that the strength of the group is above egos.
Luis Enrique Motivates Mbappé at Real Madrid
In case there were any doubts, the Asturian coach made it clear last night: "We are very happy with our progress. It has been a difficult year, with many doubts, but the team is even better than last year."
With Luis Enrique on the bench, PSG has found something more valuable than a star: identity, character, and total soccer.
Kylian Mbappé is not oblivious to Luis Enrique's provocations coming from Paris. He is highly motivated to achieve the comeback against Arsenal tonight. This way, he can settle scores in the semifinal with PSG.