Luis Enrique (PSG's coach)
Opinion

Luis Enrique's Tactical Evolution at PSG

Luis Enrique's Tactical Evolution at PSG

Opinion
Publish on 12/22 at 20:30 - P. MEEHAN

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Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain’s coach, has undergone tactical transformations in his approach throughout the season. Known for using a 4-3-3 formation in previous coaching stints, Luis Enrique faced a big moment when his experiment with a 4-2-4 formation against Newcastle United resulted in a humbling defeat, showing the need for adaptability and evolution.

The sign of Luis Enrique's evolution lies in his display of changes in his tactics, demonstrating both versatility and a willingness to learn from his past mistakes. He has introduced a range of variations to PSG's gameplay, promoting both solidity and adaptability.

A standout aspect of Luis Enrique's strategy has been his adaptive mindset, changing the team up depending on the opponent they’re facing. Enrique has also had to deal with a raft of injuries throughout the season – some of this adaptability has been enforced. PSG have recently played a couple of games where they needed a result, in the Champions League against Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, so Luis Enrique has had to find his best 11 in moments of a lot of tension.

One interesting shift has been the use of Kylian Mbappé in the central parts of the pitch instead of the left wing, changing PSG's attack in the absence of Gonçalo Ramos, the other recognized central striker on the team. 

Also, Warren Zaïre-Emery being back has been crucial, the teenage midfielder showing himself to be a vital piece of Luis Enrique's tactical shift. His versatility has seen him deployed in various roles, including as a wingback when the capital side played with three at the back. Zaïre-Emery’s impressive adaptability and his mindset to approach it has been key for the team, as has that of Kang-In Lee, with the South Korean international having played on the flanks as well as in central midfield this season. 

Further back PSG have been buoyed by Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan back having a greater influence on PSG's attacking power, his relentless running making him a force on the right flank, consistently causing problems to his opponents.

Ousmane Dembélé's integration into the squad has also been crucial. While he has missed a handful of matches through suspension and injury of late, the former Barcelona player has prospered under Luis Enrique's leadership, leading Ligue 1 in assists and embodying the balance of freedom and discipline that the coach asks of his players. 

This chaotic yet effective approach shows a break from previous PSG eras – Enrique has added rigor to his approach as the season has worn on, but is hardly adopting the hammer-and-tongs approach of the likes of Thomas Tuchel or Christophe Galtier. While this transformation hasn't been easy, PSG appears to be slowly adapting and embracing this shift, auguring well for their continued success.


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