The Team Takes Center Stage

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique is embracing the opportunity to steer a team that lacks a globally recognized star, following the exits of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi in recent years.

After PSG’s narrow 1-0 victory over Girona in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, Enrique shared his thoughts on the team’s adaptability in the absence of individual stars. Speaking to TNT Sports Brasil, he stated, “Yes, there’s a star, a star that shines more brightly than anything else, that is the team. That is the star, the team.”

He continued, highlighting the unified spirit of the squad: “It’s amazing. It is a feeling that I try to instill in my players. You see it on the pitch, one for all and all for one, like the Three Musketeers. That is marvelous in a team sport.”

Last season, Enrique frequently expressed his frustration with constant inquiries from the media regarding Mbappé. The 25-year-old, who left PSG this summer after his contract ended, had an exceptional season, scoring 44 goals in 48 appearances.

Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid came a year after the club lost Messi and Neymar. Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team, joined Inter Miami in July 2023 after a two-year stint with PSG. Shortly thereafter, Neymar transferred to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, concluding a six-year tenure with the French side.

Despite the significant changes in personnel, PSG is currently on a strong path as they aim for a fourth consecutive league title. The team has made a perfect start to their campaign, clinching victories in all their matches and scoring an impressive tally of 13 goals across their first four league games.

The focus on teamwork over star power represents a shift in strategy for PSG under Enrique’s direction. The coach appears to be cultivating a closely-knit squad that prioritizes collective effort instead of individual accolades. This approach may redefine the club’s identity in the post-Mbappé era.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Enrique’s philosophy translates into success on the pitch. The early signs are promising, with the players demonstrating cohesion and a shared commitment to their goals.

In a league where individual talent often dominates headlines, PSG’s emphasis on unity could provide them with an edge. As Enrique himself pointed out, his goal is to develop a team that functions seamlessly together, as a unit that operates with a singular purpose.

With the likes of Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar now a part of PSG’s past, the focus shifts to the current roster’s potential and the exciting prospects that lie ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how this new chapter unfolds for Paris Saint-Germain.