After months of skepticism, sports commentator Daniel Riolo has shifted his stance on Luis Enrique, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Following PSG's impressive qualification for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool, Riolo has begun to praise Enrique's coaching efforts, noting significant changes since the beginning of the season.
Since the outset, Riolo has been vocal about his critiques of Enrique's communication and certain team selections, even dubbing him the nickname "Géo Trouvetou," a reference to creativity but also, ironically, to confusion. On March 12, during the popular After Foot podcast on RMC, he expressed gratitude for Enrique's recent performance, elaborately dissecting the evolution of his coaching style.
He began his commentary by acknowledging the dramatic turnaround, stating, "Sur la communication, je nechangerai pas mon point de vue même s’il a beaucoup changé parce qu’il ne parle plus de la même façon. Il y a des choses assez incroyables qui ne sont pas le fait du hasard. Une personne a le droit dechanger. Vu ce qu’il se passe depuis deux mois..." which translates to, "On communication, I won’t change my mind, even if he has changed a lot because he no longer speaks the same way. There are quite incredible things which are not by chance. A person has the right to change. Given what has happened over the past two months..."
Riolo's earlier criticisms stemmed from what he perceived as chaotic decisions, echoing doubts about Enrique's tactical choices. He recalled how close PSG was to total disaster, saying, "L’élimination (de la Champions League) a été un scénario réellement envisagé à l’intérieur du club en décembre," meaning "The elimination was actually considered within the club back in December."
“From the start, when he arrived, I said: ‘this guy can offer incredible joys because his way of playing is always good, but there are always one or two crazy decisions...’,” Riolo noted. He referenced past decisions during the group stages of the Champions League, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of PSG's matches and Enrique's puzzling tactics.
Yet with the win against Liverpool, Riolo observed noticeable changes. "Gifi, il ne le fait plus. Il n’y a plus ces trucs... Maintenant, tout est clair," which means, "Gifi, he doesn’t do it anymore. There are no more of those things... Now, everything is clear.” Riolo remarked on how Enrique has settled on his starting lineup, expressing surprise at Enrique's consistent team choices compared to earlier selections which often left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
The After Foot podcast serves as a platform for passionate debates about football, with various journalists, commentators, and fans contributing their perspectives. It has become the go-to source for football followers in France over its 19 years of airing. Riolo's insights bring clarity to the often tumultuous season, where PSG's performance has fluctuated drastically.
On the same podcast episode, fellow commentator Manu Petit offered sentiments on the recent performances from other clubs, touching upon the rich discussions delivered during the show, as well as the interactive format allowing fans to voice their opinions.
With the Champions League fixtures just around the corner, the conversation among fans and sports analysts alike turns heavier with speculation and hope. Enrique's newfound stability has evoked cautious optimism, yet Riolo maintains the necessity of vigilance.
“Today, everything seems great, but we are not going to get carried away by saying: ‘they will win it’. We’ll stay calm,” he advised, indicating the persisting uncertainty around PSG's long-term prospects this season. The team may have triumphed over one of their toughest rivals, but the road forward is still fraught with challenges.
The After Foot program, led by Nicolas Jamain and featuring analysts dedicated to dissecting each moment, continues to engage fans with lively, insightful discussions. These debates provide not just analysis but also amplify the voices of supporters, bridging the gap between fans and experts.
Looking ahead, the pressure increases as PSG prepares for the quarter-finals. The mixed feelings Riolo vocalized—representative of many fans—highlight the conflicted emotions surrounding the team's potential versus its past performances. Will they rise to the occasion or falter again? Only time will tell as they navigate the challenging waters of European football.
This season has been marked by unease among fans and pundits, but the harmony achieved through the latest victory might just pivot them toward greater success. Tackling Liverpool would not only add to the legacy of Enrique’s tenure but could also establish PSG firmly within the elite circle of European football.
Overall, the shift from skepticism to cautious support is emblematic of the highs and lows of sports commentary. The dynamics within the PSG camp reflect larger themes of accountability, performance, and the weight of expectations—a microcosm of the exhilarating and often unpredictable nature of football.