Paris Saint Germain (PSG) is riding high after taking a 1-0 lead over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final, thanks to a stunning fourth-minute goal from Ousmane Dembele. As the teams prepare for the return leg in Paris on May 6, 2025, PSG’s manager Luis Enrique is focused on maintaining their edge and pushing for a spot in the final.
Gone are the days of the superstar trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Jr., who failed to deliver the coveted Champions League title for the French giants. Under Enrique’s guidance, PSG has embraced a new team-centric culture that prioritizes collective effort over individual stardom.
Enrique, who has made headlines not just for his tactical acumen but also for his commitment to fitness, cycles the 9 kilometers from his home to the club’s training ground every day. He believes this sets a positive example for the squad. "Coming cycling, it’s just 9km, it’s not really too much to do that but last year we had a lot of comments about how we behave in the competition. It’s something that is very positive because in sport the most important thing is the values," said Enrique.
Achraf Hakimi, PSG’s attacking wingback, echoed Enrique’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion. "The president, sporting director and the coach, they tried to build a team rather than star players and that’s the key of this new Paris Saint Germain. The collective is more important than the individuals and that’s why we are so strong," Hakimi stated.
Dembele, who is PSG’s top scorer this season with 33 goals, has been a pivotal figure in this transformation. After suffering a hamstring injury that briefly sidelined him, he returned to training ahead of the crucial second leg. Enrique confirmed during a pre-game press conference, "He’s been training with us for the last two days. You saw him on Tuesday - a normal training session for him. He’ll be available on Wednesday."
Hakimi also praised Dembele’s unique talents, calling him a "genius with the ball." He added, "He is the type of player who makes you want to go to the stadium to watch because he is a genius on the ball, even if he doesn’t have many chances. He can change the course of the game so we are delighted to have him back in the team.”
Despite their lead, Enrique is wary of Arsenal’s unpredictability and their history of pulling off surprises in high-stakes matches. "Which means knowing that we will suffer at some point of this game, because the opponents don’t have a favourable result. So it will be like in the first leg, a game balanced between both sides. I think we will need to put in a similar performance that in the first leg and most importantly stay true to our philosophy that led us to this point," he explained.
The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes is expected to be electric as PSG aims to secure a place in the Champions League final for only the second time in their history. The players are feeling the excitement, and Hakimi noted the positive pressure surrounding the match. "It’s a positive pressure, a good pressure because these are the types of games players want to play and we will not change our approach and the way we want to play,” he stated.
As the clock ticks down to the second leg, PSG's players are ready to deliver for their fans, who are eager for a taste of European glory. The shift from a star-studded lineup to a more unified team has rejuvenated the squad, and they are determined to prove that their collective spirit can lead them to triumph.
With the Champions League title within reach, PSG is not just playing for themselves but for the supporters who have stood by them through thick and thin. The upcoming match against Arsenal is not just another game; it’s an opportunity to solidify their new identity and chase the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy.
As both teams prepare for the decisive clash, all eyes will be on the Parc des Princes, where PSG hopes to turn their slim lead into a ticket to the final. Will they overcome Arsenal’s challenge and take a step closer to that elusive trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: PSG is no longer just about individual brilliance; they are a team forged in unity, ready to take on the world.
