Luis Enrique is the only PSG coach with the 'guts' to do what he wants

This season at Paris Saint-Germain has been marked by a remarkable string of successes across multiple fronts, all under the fresh leadership of Luis Enrique.

His inaugural campaign has seen the club ascend to heights comparable with the very best periods in its history. PSG not only clinched the French league title for the third consecutive time but also secured the Super Cup and a spot in the domestic Cup final against Lyon, set for May 25th. Additionally, their campaign in the Champions League has seen them reach the semi-finals, positioning them once again as contenders on the European stage.

Against this backdrop of sporting triumphs, the insights provided by Emmanuel Petit into Luis Enrique's management style reveal much about the internal dynamics within PSG. Petit credits Enrique with possessing the resolve necessary to manage the high-profile personalities within the squad, a trait he suggests has been absent in previous PSG coaches during the Qatar era. Notably, Enrique's willingness to make tough decisions, like rotating star player Kylian Mbappé, underscores his readiness to prioritize team needs over individual preferences.

Mbappé's reactions to these decisions have been mixed, as noted by Petit. The young forward has occasionally expressed his discontent about not playing in his preferred position or role, voicing his frustrations openly. This behavior, according to Petit, needs to be checked if Mbappé is to fulfill his earlier promises of full commitment to the team's objectives. The incident against Dortmund highlighted a moment where Mbappé's demeanor with his teammates could be seen as less than ideal, prompting Petit to call for a moment of self-reflection from the player.

Petit’s comments reflect a broader issue within football, where managing big personalities is as much a part of the coach's job as tactical acumen. Enrique’s approach has been forthright and unapologetic, aimed at fostering a disciplined and unified team ethos. His methods may challenge some players, but they also set a clear standard for what is expected at PSG.

As PSG continues to navigate the remainder of the season, the interplay between Enrique’s management style and the squad’s response will be crucial. With significant matches looming, including the domestic Cup final and further Champions League encounters, how Enrique handles the squad dynamics especially concerning key figures like Mbappé will be pivotal in their quest for continued success. These elements combine to paint a picture of a team at a crossroads, with potential to either solidify a new era of dominance or face challenges if squad cohesion cannot be maintained.