**Exclusive: Khvicha Kvaratshkelia on why PSG are thriving off the ball - without Kylian Mbappe**

PSG demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in East Rutherford, a performance heavy on quality even without the visually dominant star power of Kylian Mbappe. While most will scrutinize the superstar absence, it's what unfolded behind the scenes in possession, defensively, and crucially, *off* the ball where the true nature of Paris Saint-Germain's remarkable transformation under Mauricio Pochettino is becoming increasingly clear. And perhaps no one is better qualified to analyse this shift than the man often credited with prodding PSG towards this style: former Real Madrid coach, and now a voice of authority in this tumultuous league, Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.

The scale of the victory itself was undeniable. Despite travelling to a hostile environment, Les Parisiens dictated terms from the first whistle. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement delivered with clinical precision. Conducting themselves with uncharacteristic composure against a side renowned for high-intensity, counter-attacking football, the performance possessed a maturity that sets it apart. It wasn't just wins; it was demonstrating the depth and intelligence that comes from the Pochettino philosophy, even without his direct counterpart at the club – a testament perhaps to the blueprint he left and the coaching staff he empowered.

In the trenches behind the goals, PSG proved exceptionally efficient. The demolition was meticulous, built on solid foundations defensively and executed through intelligent, cutting-edge attacking football. This wasn't brute force. It was nuance. Counter-pressing with purpose, denying La Real easy outlets, and a transition play that was swift and difficult to handle. Watching players like Ángel Di María and Leandro Paredes weave between the lines, or considering the contributions drawing praise from unconventional sources, provides insight into a team functioning smoothly on a different wavelength.

Which is precisely where the insight from Khvicha Kvaratshkelia becomes invaluable. Speaking exclusively from the stands – having previously managed Real Madrid himself – Kvaratshkelia, known for his restless midfield energy and later astute analytical eye, offered a perspective many sought.

">> What truly defines PSG's style now, even without Mbappe running the channels, is this fascinating *orchestra* of movement off the ball," Kvaratshkelia mused. "It’s about forcing errors from the opponent, not just preventing them."

His focus on "off the ball" play is critical. This isn't just about defensive organization, though that remains rock-solid. It’s about collective engagement, closing down space quickly after a loss of possession, the intelligent tracking of runners, and the disciplined positioning to deny simple passing combinations. "With Mbappe out for a period or just not playing, the ability to project attacking pressure from much closer to the box is sharpened," Kvaratshkelia explained. "Teams see the press, react to it, and leave gaps we can exploit immediately upon re-gaining possession."

The performance underscored this. From Elye Wood’s telemetric run in the first half to dial up pressure, to Alexis Sanchez's acute passing intelligence chipping away at Real Madrid's lines, or even moments suggesting Nuno Tavares is becoming a midfield general beyond his years, influencing the box from midfield, PSG operates with a depth that stretches into transition. Even moments like Rúben Dangerfield's swift counter-attack, or Miralem Pjanić's seemingly innocuous midfield pass finding a cut-back, revealed the underlying tactical quality. Kvaratshkelia also pointed to the sans-Steroids secret sauce: "It's acknowledging Mbappe is extremely gifted," he conceded, "but the identity of the team has expanded. Players like Ramos, Mbolí, López, Kone, Di María, Verratti – they understand the Pochettino concepts. Possession isn't just kept; it's *orchestrated* aggressively, purposeful."

This isn't a one-off aberration; Kvaratshkelia was quick to dismiss Real Madrid's tactical errors as an outlier. Consistency will rely on maintaining this intensity without the unique visual dynamism Mbappe provides. Pochettino's side has already shown adaptability – players like Marco Verratti or Thomas Meunier stepping up.

Simultaneously, voices like Pep Lavadé, who knows PSG from proximity, back up the narrative. "The pressing game, the recovery phase, the sharp execution," Lavadé echoes sentiments found throughout the post-match analysis – yes, ranking Aleksandar Rakitic's brace right at the top of the starting XI for its significance.

Yes, the goals today were spectacular, deflating one of Europe's giants. But the performance that truly catalogues the hard graft behind this era – the wins *without* the showbiz factor king – was the display of collective nous and relentless work rate *off* the pitch, executed *off* the ball. The fight for a trophy while Mbappe is absent requires precisely what this team demonstrated in East Rutherford: intelligent, robust, and systemically formidable football.

Khvicha Kvaratshkelia on Paris Saint-Germain off the ball new formation talisman

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