Paris Saint-Germain`s journey hasn`t always been smooth sailing, but they`ve successfully navigated their way to the Champions League final after defeating Arsenal with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline. They are now set to face Inter on May 31st. Early in the League Phase, the team faced difficulties, narrowly qualifying for the knockout stages by winning their last three matches. However, the attack cohesion improved, significantly boosted by the crucial addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the January transfer window, which proved to be a turning point.
This mid-season stabilization was enough for PSG to find their footing, and they now stand as the last team with a chance of securing a treble, including a major European trophy.
The Parisian club has had a truly impressive run this season. But what were the key factors contributing to this success?
Trust in Luis Enrique`s Leadership
A critical element for PSG has been the presence of a highly experienced manager in Luis Enrique, who has a proven track record of success. He previously achieved a treble with Barcelona and also led the Spanish national team with strong results from 2018 to 2022. PSG quickly appointed Enrique, and his impact has been notable. He implements an attacking, forward-thinking style reminiscent of his Barcelona days, but at times, this current PSG side appears even more fluid. The midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz offers immense versatility, enabling full-backs like Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi to frequently join the attack.
Enrique`s extensive experience in preparing for high-stakes matches means he`s rarely caught off guard. This inherent calmness is reflected in his team; even when trailing, PSG players maintain their tactical discipline and find ways to recover, often adapting even with personnel changes.
Successfully Addressing Kylian Mbappe`s Departure
Moving on from a superstar player is inherently challenging, and this season initially seemed destined for difficulty following Kylian Mbappe`s summer transfer to Real Madrid, which left a significant void in the attack. While substantial funds were invested in bringing in new talent like Willian Pacho, Desire Doue, Joao Neves, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, it`s striking that this list didn`t include a recognized central striker. Initially, the attack shifted towards a more collective approach before Ousmane Dembele transitioned into a central number nine role, and his performance since then has been outstanding.
Playing alongside talents like Doue, Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele has emerged as a prolific scorer, netting 25 goals in 26 appearances in 2025, outscoring any other player in the squad during that period. What began as a collective effort to replace Mbappe has largely seen Dembele step up to fill that goalscoring void. Dembele, long recognized for his talent but sometimes hampered by injuries and inconsistency, has, along with many teammates, found his peak form under Enrique`s guidance.
Harnessing Youthful Energy
A key characteristic of PSG`s recent signings is their youth; none were older than 23 upon arrival, with Kvaratskhelia turning 24 after joining in January. While they possess experience at the highest levels, they also bring immense energy and a strong willingness to absorb Enrique`s tactical instructions. Managing star players can be complex, as individual ambitions can sometimes overshadow team objectives. This was notably evident during the time when Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe formed a sometimes disjointed attacking trio for PSG.
Under Enrique, this current team displays none of that individualistic focus. It`s common to see players like Kvaratskhelia diligently tracking back to make defensive contributions even in the 90th minute. This level of commitment is not accidental. Enrique has instilled a clear identity within PSG, and the club`s recruitment strategy has successfully supported this vision. While winning the final remains the ultimate goal, this youthful squad has already made history as the youngest team ever to reach a Champions League final.
