- PSG Enrique seeks controlled chaos
- Varied season, evolving balance
- Dembélé key to disruption
The battlefield perpetually resembles a zone of anarchy. “Whoever controls that chaos, both his own and that of his enemies, will emerge victorious.” Although Napoleon Bonaparte did not specifically mention football, he might have been. Perhaps no football manager strives for “controlled chaos” more than Luis Enrique.
The manager of Paris Saint-Germain has been regarded as an archetype of offensive football ever since his tenure at Barcelona almost a decade ago. At the club, he achieved three Copa del Rey titles, one of which was the Champions League, one of which was La Liga, and he won the treble in his debut season. It would be an understatement to say that his performance in the seven years since his departure from Barcelona has been varied.
After his young daughter died in 2021, he returned to the squad and valiantly guided Spain to a second-place finish in the Nations League.
However, Spain was eliminated from two important competitions by less talented opponents: Morocco at the World Cup and Italy at the Euros. Additionally, any evaluation of his tenure at Barcelona must be tempered by the fact that he collaborated with a front three consisting of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar, arguably the best in the annals of the sport.
Enrique’s Challenge at PSG
His summer transfer to PSG was tainted, having previously spent time at Roma and Celta Vigo, which did little to improve his reputation. While it is accurate to say that he has received commendation from players such as Lionel Messi and Thiago Alcantara, his lack of exceptional aptitude has prevented him from succeeding.
Nevertheless, Paris Saint-Germain could have portrayed itself as the most alluring destination. Before that, the club had experienced some of the most esteemed managers in the world, including Mauricio Pocchettino, Carlo Ancelotti, and Thomas Tuchel, all dismissed without securing the Champions League brass ring.
Not only did Enrique have to lead a squad through a transition, but he also had to do so with a league-new club that had lost veterans, including Sergio Ramos, Neymar, Messi, and Marco Verratti. Although they were quite elderly, they were all exceptional competitors whose expertise was challenging to replicate.
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Young Replacements, Mbappé’s Future
Although possessing aptitude, most of their replacements were younger and had yet to encounter the pressures associated with affluent and demanding proprietors. Exceptions abound, including Lucas Hernández and Milan Skriniar, but despite their impressive careers, Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, Manuel Ugarte, Randal Kolo Muani, and Kang-In Lee were hardly European regulars. Even though the club is securely atop the Ligue 1 standings again, the possibility of Kylian Mbappé’s departure hung over the organization, and his positioning remains unresolved.
PSG has experienced a varied season thus far. Despite assuming the lead in the division, they entered their final Champions Division group match knowing that a victory was crucial to advance to round 16. Their performance thus far in Europe could be better.
In October, Enrique’s side performed its worst at St. James’ Park, where his reckless attacking philosophy aided Newcastle in cutting through the visitors and placed Eddie Howe’s squad in an advantageous position. However, as the season progresses, that match and PSG’s frustrating home loss to Nice appear less like setbacks and more like maturation as Enrique strikes an ever-improving balance between Bravura’s attacking play and defensive solidity.
Yes, naysayers will be quick to point fingers in light of the team’s controversial penalty kick that earned them a point against Newcastle at the Parc des Princes a fortnight ago.
Enrique’s PSG Revolution
However, the team has established itself with Enrique’s approach after eight consecutive victories in the league, despite occasional disagreements between the manager and his star player. Mbappé continues to be the focal point of the attack due to his speed and skill with the ball, but to disrupt opponents, other players have also evolved into lynchpins.
Achraf Hakimi is a significant instigator of the team. Having struggled at moments under Christophe Galtier last season, he appears to be a reborn player. The Moroccan, who has contributed to four goals and four assists in all competitions, has established himself as a crucial member of PSG’s offense and the preeminent attacking right-back globally.
Furthermore, Ousmane Dembélé has contributed to the disorder. Although the former Barcelona player has the most assists in Ligue 1, he has embodied Enrique’s philosophy more than anything else. The manager recently expressed unequivocal admiration for the France international, stating, “He is an exceptional and singular performer.
Enrique’s Disruptive Football Vision
He always requests the ball, attempts new things without fear, and is receptive to criticism. It is a delight to have a player in his position. His role extends beyond the flanks to the center. Whether he contributes assists or goals to the team’s total output is irrelevant. “He is globally renowned as the most disruptive player.”
Enrique desires for his squad to be disruptive. Still, despite its prowess in attack, the team also relies on the balance provided by Warren Zare-Emery and Ugarte, whose all-action style has served as an ideal connection between the Uruguayan defense and the attackers.
Enrique is attempting to transform the club by adopting Dembélé’s chaotic approach rather than the rigid defensive strategy pursued by players such as Tuchel, Galtier, and others in recent years. And despite the inconsistent start, a decisive victory in Dortmund, which would secure the top spot in the division, would dispel sure skeptics regarding his credentials.
But he will have to accomplish this without Dembélé. While sidelined for the journey to Germany, Barcola, Kolo Muani, Ramos, and Lee contribute abundant offensive ability. When Enrique travels to Germany, it is to present a compelling case for the merits of disorder and his managerial prowess.
