Champions of change: PSG’s historic triumph under Enrique

THE season is finally over – if you consider the end marked by the crowning of a new European Champion.

For some, football continues with the Club World Cup, a competition created by FIFA to rival UEFA’s crown jewel.

To ensure its success, FIFA are throwing significant money at the inaugural edition. Whether it brings the necessary prestige to the winners remain to be seen.

But until then, let’s celebrate this year’s winner of the Champions League: Paris St-Germain.

It is PSG’s first Champions League trophy in the club’s history – a club that are only been in existence for just over 50 years.

Marseille fans had been praying hard for PSG to fail, wanting to remain the only French club to have ever won European football’s greatest prize.

Unfortunately for them, PSG were worthy winners, playing an eye-catching brand of football as they comprehensively defeated Inter Milan 5–0, possibly the biggest margin ever in a final.

Many fans probably hoped for a more competitive match, but PSG simply outplayed Inter.

The football was scintillating, and with Luis Enrique, the descendant of Johan Cruyff’s footballing philosophy, on the sidelines, the Dutchman was probably smiling from above after that performance.

It was also worth noting that PSG are the first winners of the Champions League under UEFA’s new competition format.

At one point during the league stage, PSG were at risk of missing out on qualification for the knockout rounds, sitting 25th out of 36 teams.

But a win against Manchester City sparked a revival, and Enrique carried that momentum to the final.

Of course, many in the media continue to throw shade at PSG’s achievements, accusing them of buying success with “petrol money” and playing in a so-called “farmer’s league”. But that narrative is lazy.

There’s a double standard when it comes to Gulf-backed clubs, especially when similar criticism is rarely aimed at hedge fund-backed sides.

Yes, PSG have the financial clout to buy top talent, but that alone doesn’t win you trophies.

You still need to put 11 players on the pitch, play as a team, and be guided by a manager with a clear system and belief.

Just a few years ago, PSG boasted superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, and Lionel Messi, yet failed to deliver the ultimate prize.

Some would argue that the trio’s lack of defensive work rate was a key factor in those failures – playing against PSG often felt like facing 11 vs 8.

This season, however, the story was different. Nasser Al-Khelaifi trusted Enrique, who boldly claimed he could win the Champions League. That statement proved pivotal, leading to Mbappe’s long-awaited move to Real Madrid.

Enrique just wanted players who would run and follow instructions.

With a revitalised Ousmane Dembele leading the line, PSG embarked on an incredible run.

Their road to glory included scalps from the Premier League – Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. No one can say they didn’t earn it.

PSG flexed their financial muscle in January, signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Enrique integrated him into the squad and got him playing the “PSG way” and that work ethic was on full display in the final, when Kvaratskhelia ran 60 yards to win back possession inside his penalty area.

It’s a testament to the players’ belief in Enrique’s philosophy. In total football – Cruyff’s way – every outfield player must be capable of playing in every role.

Congratulations also to Vitinha, a player once deemed not good enough for Wolves’ starting XI, now a Champions League winning starter alongside Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz.

Speaking of Neves, both Liverpool and Manchester United will be kicking themselves for passing on him at 17, claiming he was “too small”.

He may be small, but he’s technically gifted and a game-changer.

If this PSG squad remain grounded and continue under Enrique’s tutelage, they could very well usher in a new era of dominance in European football, much like the legendary teams of AC Milan, Barcelona, or Real.

They are a young team, full of promise, and one that could shape the future of the competition for years to come.

Until then, enjoy the six-week break and keep an eye on the transfer news.

If you need your football fix, there’s always the Club World Cup – though I can’t guarantee the same level of quality.