It hasn`t always been an easy journey, but after defeating Arsenal 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate), Paris Saint-Germain is headed to the Champions League final, where they are set to face Inter on May 31. However, during the League Phase earlier in the competition, this same PSG squad narrowly qualified for the knockout playoffs, needing to win their final three matches of that phase just to stay in contention. Yet, the attack managed to come together effectively, receiving a significant boost with the addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the January transfer window, which helped them elevate their game.
This stabilization was enough to see PSG steady themselves, and they are now the last team standing with a shot at securing a treble that includes a European continental title.
The Parisian side has had an impressive run this season, but what have been some of the key factors behind their success?
Having faith in Luis Enrique
One crucial element for PSG is having a manager who has proven success at the highest level in Luis Enrique. He not only won a treble with Barcelona as manager but also had strong performances with the Spanish national team, which he led from 2018-2022 before resigning. It didn`t take long for PSG to appoint Enrique to take the helm, and his work has been quite impressive. He implements an attacking, visually appealing style of football, much like the Barcelona sides he managed, but at times, this Paris Saint-Germain team appears even more adaptable and dynamic. The midfield trio of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz provides immense versatility, while also allowing fullbacks Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi to push forward effectively.
Enrique also possesses extensive experience in preparing for major matches, meaning there are few situations he hasn`t encountered before. That calmness is reflected in his team, where even if PSG falls behind, they are able to remain true to their approach and recover, even while rotating the squad.
Replacing Kylian Mbappe
Moving on from a star player is never simple, and this season hasn`t been as smooth as it might appear for PSG. Kylian Mbappe`s departure to Real Madrid in the summer was expected to leave a significant gap in the attack… or so it seemed. A considerable amount was spent to bring in players like Willian Pacho, Desire Doue, Joao Neves, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but notably, this list doesn`t include a traditional striker. The attack initially became more team-based before Ousmane Dembele shifted centrally to play as the number nine, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Alongside Doue, Kvaratskhelia, and Bradley Barcola, no player has scored more goals for PSG in 2025 than Dembele, with 25 goals in 26 appearances. What was anticipated to be a collective effort to replace Mbappe actually saw Dembele rise to the occasion. A player who has always possessed immense talent but was previously hampered by injuries and inconsistency, Dembele, along with many other members of this squad, are reaching their peak form under Enrique`s guidance.
The Power of Youth
Looking back at those key transfers, it`s worth noting that none of the players were over the age of 23 when they joined, with Kvaratskhelia turning 24 since his arrival in January. They already have experience playing at the highest levels of football, but they also possess the tireless energy of youth and fully embrace Enrique`s guidance. Managing high-profile stars can be challenging because players often have different ideas about their roles, and individual focus can sometimes overshadow the collective effort. This was particularly evident when Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe formed a rather dysfunctional attacking trio for PSG.
That dynamic is notably absent from this team under Enrique. It can be the 90th minute, and Kvaratskhelia is still tracking back to contribute defensively. This level of commitment is no accident. Under Enrique, PSG has developed a clear identity, and recruitment has aligned with this vision. He still needs to guide this young team to victory in the final, but as the youngest team to reach a Champions League final, history is already being written.
Dominic Ashworth