Luis Enrique has guided PSG to the zenith of football - but he's done so the hard way

In a sport often defined by immediate gratification and the allure of super-teams, Paris Saint-Germain's ascendancy under Luis Enrique stands as a testament to more than just financial might. The Spaniard has not merely led the Parisian giants to the pinnacle of European football; he has forged a path through adversity, reshaping a club notorious for its individual brilliance into a formidable, cohesive unit. His tenure at the Parc des Princes has unfolded as a masterclass in modern coaching, proving that even with unparalleled resources, true success is often born from the crucible of challenge.

The journey was anything but straightforward. Upon his arrival, Enrique inherited a squad in flux, reeling from the departures of global icons Lionel Messi and Neymar, while navigating the persistent saga surrounding Kylian Mbappé's future. The locker room, historically a hotbed of competing egos and disjointed strategies, required a radical overhaul. Critics questioned his ability to impose discipline and a collective identity on a team that frequently prioritised individual flair over systemic cohesion. Early season stumbles, coupled with intense media scrutiny and the inherent pressure of managing a club with insatiable ambitions, further amplified the perception of a monumental task. He faced the monumental challenge of transforming a collection of superstars into a true team, instilling a work ethic and tactical discipline that had often been conspicuously absent.