PSG's Youth Aims to "Create New Legacy": Mbappé's Role in Question
Champions League Final: Paris Saint-Germain Aims for Long-Awaited Victory
Paris Saint-Germain, infamously known for their massive investements in superstar players, is on the brink of a fairytale ending to a 15-year journey in the Champions League. On Saturday, they face Inter Milan in the final, a significant milestone for the club that has never won Europe's premier club competition.
For years, PSG has been associated with the number 222 million, the amount they spent in 2017 to sign Neymar. In 2018, they splashed out another 180 million euros for Kylian Mbappé, followed by the addition of Lionel Messi in 2021. However, all this star power was not enough to secure victory, and the trio have since departed Paris.
Peter Wulff, former CEO of Bayern Munich, who has been observing PSG's progress, calls the team a "surprise" of the season. In 2020, Bayern defeated PSG in the Champions League final with a score of 1-0, marking the French club's closest approach to victory. Since then, they have failed to reach such heights, even after signing Messi to join Neymar and Mbappé.
However, the tide seems to have turned under new coach Luis Enrique. The Spanish coach, known for his passionate demeanor, has found success with a team of young, hungry players who possess great skill. According to Defender Thilo Kehrer, who played against PSG for Bayern in the 2020 final, the club has experienced a change in philosophy. The focus is no longer on individual stars, but on the collective.
PSG still boasts top players and is willing to spend money, as evidenced by their signing of Georgian attacking talent Chwitscha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli last winter. However, they are also nurturing younger talents like Desire Doué, João Neves, and Bradley Barcola, who will shape the club's future.
In 2011, the Emirate of Qatar invested hundreds of millions in the traditional club, aiming to make PSG a new glamorous address in Europe. Despite the acquisition of stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Neymar, Mbappé, and Messi, they have never won the Champions League. can the new generation of players bring victory?
Enrique recognizes the success factors at PSG. He notes the significant reduction in the payroll and the presence of a suitable coach. Despite his reputation for emotional outbursts, Enrique has struck the right chord at PSG, leading the team to continuous development and growth. However, he insists that their ultimate goal is to make history by winning the Champions League.
Enrichment Data: In the 2023-24 season, PSG did not have a successful Champions League run, they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Bayern Munich. However, it is in the 2024-25 season that PSG, under Luis Enrique, has shown significant improvement, coming close to a Champions League title.
This improvement became evident in the 2024-25 season, where PSG staged a remarkable comeback against Manchester City and later won against Stuttgart, marking a turning point in their campaign. With the focus on teamwork and young talent, PSG may finally break their 15-year Champions League drought.
In the 2024-25 season, Paris Saint-Germain, under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, showcased a remarkable turnaround, edging past Manchester City in a comeback and later triumphing against Stuttgart, marking a significant milestone towards breaking their 15-year dry spell in the Champions League.
Tuned into the sports radio, one could hear the anticipation and excitement as commentators shared updates about PSG's Champions League campaign, their potential victory echoing the hope of fans across European leagues.
