Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has praised Luis Enrique as the finest coach in world football following the club's progression to a second consecutive Champions League final. The Spanish tactician guided Les Parisiens past Bayern Munich in a thrilling semi-final encounter, securing a 6-5 aggregate victory to set up a showdown against Arsenal in Budapest on May 30.
Enrique's side controlled the tie after winning 5-4 in the opening leg at the Parc des Princes, then delivered a composed performance in Bavaria with a 1-1 draw on Wednesday. This knockout success demonstrates the transformation the former Barcelona manager has orchestrated since arriving in 2023. PSG have evolved from a collection of elite individuals into a disciplined, collective unit capable of sustaining pressure across Europe's most demanding competition.
Al-Khelaifi's Endorsement and Enrique's Impact
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, Al-Khelaifi offered unequivocal backing for Enrique, describing him as his finest appointment at the helm. "Luis Enrique is truly our best asset, the best, my best decision," the chairman declared. "He's a fantastic coach, the best coach in the world, but also as a person." The PSG president highlighted how Enrique has navigated the complexity of French football and media scrutiny with professionalism, reshaping the squad's mentality in the process.
The most visible change under Enrique has been the cultural shift within the dressing room. PSG now prioritise collective effort and defensive organisation over individual brilliance. Al-Khelaifi emphasized this transformation: "How they work together, how they live together, how they defend on and off the field. I see them, I live with them, and that's what I love about the team: the fight, the passion, the enjoyment they show when they go to training."
What Lies Ahead
Before the Champions League final in Hungary, PSG face three remaining Ligue 1 fixtures as they pursue the domestic title. Their next opponent is Brest in the closing stretch of the season. The Champions League final represents PSG's opportunity to win Europe's premier club competition for the first time since their last appearance in a European final, with Arsenal providing formidable opposition after their own semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid.
