Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) concluded their season with a commendable performance in the Coupe de France, securing a 2-1 victory against Lyon at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium. This win added to their earlier triumphs in the Champions Trophy and the French Championship. Head coach Luis Enrique reflected positively on the season, expressing his satisfaction with the team's ambitious and aggressive style of play throughout the year.
Enrique emphasized the collective effort and unrelenting offensive approach that has characterized PSG's play. Despite not choosing a specific half as the highlight of the season, Enrique praised the team's overall performance in the final, highlighting their persistent energy and pressing. He did, however, express a tinge of disappointment at not reaching the Champions League final, a crucial objective for the club.
A focal point of discussion was Kylian Mbappé, who played his last match for PSG. Enrique expressed his privilege in having coached Mbappé and acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of his caliber. Enrique noted, 'It's different, we are not replacing him. It's the team that will replace him, not just one player but five or six.' Despite the challenges, Enrique remains optimistic about PSG's future ambitions, including their aspirations to win the Champions League.
Vitinha also received high praise from Enrique, who saw him as the standout player of the season. Enrique commended Vitinha for his play on the ball, defensive aggression, and overall energy, positioning him as a central figure in PSG's successful season.
Looking ahead, Enrique discussed the forthcoming transfer window and the importance of strategic recruitment to further bolster the squad. He highlighted the need for players who can seamlessly adapt to the high demands of the club. While Enrique plans to take a short break, he emphasized that there are no real holidays in top-tier football, as the efforts to improve the team will continue in close collaboration with club officials Luis Campos and the president.
Addressing the incidents of violence that occurred before the match, Enrique condemned such actions and called for a unified effort to eradicate violence from football. He emphasized that football and sports should promote positive values and that such incidents should not overshadow the sport itself.
- As Luis Enrique concluded his first season at PSG, he underscored the significant role supporters played in the team's success and conveyed his heartfelt gratitude. He recognized the fans' relentless enthusiasm and unwavering support throughout the season.
- As part of their future goals, PSG aims to not only strengthen their squad with talented recruits but also to integrate new players who perfectly align with the team's philosophy and style of play. Enrique's vision revolves around building an even more formidable team capable of dominating both domestically and internationally.
