PSG Announce Luis Enrique as New Head Coach
Luis Enrique was announced as PSG’s new head coach on Friday, signing a two-year contract with the club, keeping him in the French capital until the summer of 2025.
After a coaching search that included candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann, the club decided that the best path forward was with Enrique at the helm.
Enrique will take over after last managing the Spanish national team. He led La Furia Roja to the final of the 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League final and also took charge during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, after a disappointing Round of 16 exit, Enrique was let go from his position with Spain.
He has also had coaching stints with Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona. He led Barcelona to the treble in 2015 and another La Liga title in 2016.
“I want to thank the club, the CEO and Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and the Sporting Director Luis Campos for the faith they have shown in me,” Enrique said. “I hope to be able to repay them in the best way possible.”
Enrique’s hiring comes on the same day that PSG’s former head coach, Christophe Galtier, was fired by the French giants. Despite leading PSG to a record 11th Ligue 1 title last year, the club lost faith in Galtier due to his lack of success in the Champions League.
Galtier is also set to stand trial this December for allegations of racism during his time with OGC Nice. This, and his inability to perform in the Champions League, sealed his fate with the club.
Enrique is a good signing for PSG. He favors an attack-focused style of soccer that allows his players to retain the ball to build into the attack. However, he also gives them the freedom to transition quickly when possible. He will likely have success with this style of play due to PSG’s numerous attacking threats in the squad.
“The attacking identity is non-negotiable — it’s my philosophy. You have to adapt to your players, my job is to get the best out of my players individually and collectively,” said Enrique. “I am committed to putting a winning team together and I have no doubt that I will be able to do that and give PSG fans something they will like.”
While Enrique is an incredibly successful, world-class manager, he is taking over PSG during a turbulent time. Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos have left the club this summer on free transfers. Neymar might be on the move. Kylian Mbappé also looks determined to move on after five years with the club
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has brought in Enrique to steady the ship and deliver the club its first Champions League title.
It will be interesting to see if Luis Enrique is the man to finally get PSG over the Champions League hump.
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