'We are better than last year' - Luis Enrique hails PSG team effort en route to UEFA Champions League final after losing Kylian Mbappe
Published 30/05/2025 at 22:15 GMT+1
Paris Saint-Germain have made tremendous strides as a team over the course of the season since losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, and on the eve of their UEFA Champions League final against Internazionale in Munich, Luis Enrique admitted that the side are better in the wake of the Frenchman's departure. PSG will hope to lift their first Champions League trophy at the second time of asking.
‘Making history was the plan from the first day’ – Enrique on achieving greatness with PSG
Video credit: TNT Sports
PSG manager Luis Enrique says his side have become a better team this season despite Kylian Mbappe's departure to Real Madrid last year.
The Frenchman was part of a Parisian Galactico side that assembled some of the world's best in recent years, including Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Despite accumulating a collection of legendary talent in the French capital, PSG were unable to win the UEFA Champions League - the trophy they desired the most.
Now Mbappe-less and boasting new stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, Enrique's side are favourites to lift the crown against Inter this weekend, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"It was stimulus for all the players," Enrique responded when asked how he has transformed his youthful side since Mbappe left.
"We tried to manage the way we play, and I have to say everybody gets involved, everybody does the positive things. As a team we are very happy because we are better than last year, on and off the ball."
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Mbappe was often criticised for aspects of his game in a PSG side that frequently resembled 11 individuals instead of one cohesive unit.
His void has been filled with tactical discipline and harmony, with Owen Hargreaves claiming Enrique has now made PSG "everyone's second favourite side".
"Well it's a special match without any doubt because making history in Paris, it means to win the trophy," the Spaniard added.
"It's a great day because we have the possibility to train with the team for the last match of the season, and we play the Champions League final, everybody is watching that match. It's a nice moment for us and we are going to try to get the trophy."
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Road to Munich: How Inter and PSG reached Champions League final
Video credit: TNT Sports
On their way to the final, PSG beat four Premier League sides, giving Enrique the chance to repel the 'farmers league' tag - a disparaging label previously applied to Ligue 1.
It was a lighthearted joke from the former Barcelona and Spain manager, but highlighted the arduous path that PSG have had to the final in Munich.
"It's going to be great if we get that trophy," he said. "Making history was the plan from the first day.
"It was a joke, the farmers, of course. But I have to say, our path was very difficult. And you can see that the Europa League and Conference League were won by English teams, the level of the Premier League is high.
"And we were lucky sometimes against English teams. It was difficult, but I think we deserve to get this moment.
"It's going to be great, but above all, because we are going to make a lot of people happy in a country like France and in Paris, and it means a lot."
When is the 2025 Champions League final?
The Champions League final kicks off at 8pm UK time on Saturday, May 31.
Coverage starts from 6pm on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+, live from the Allianz Arena in Munich.
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