Luis Enrique approaches Champions League semi final second leg ready for landmark success
PSG travel to Munich for the return fixture of their semi final versus Bayern on Wednesday, protecting a 5 to 4 advantage from a thrilling opening clash that ranks among the competitions most memorable games.
"It was the finest match I have had the privilege to participate in as a manager," Luis Enrique remarked following the game at the Parc des Princes.
Still he feels his team must net at least three more times at the Allianz Arena to defeat the Bundesliga winners and earn a spot in the May 30th showpiece in Budapest.
Yet he and his players can draw recent motivation from their previous trip to Munich, where they crushed Inter Milan 5 to 0 in last years decider to claim their inaugural Champions League trophy.
Perhaps given his extensive accomplishments, Luis Enrique might have chosen to step aside after that victory, mission accomplished. However his drive has stayed strong this term.
"In the previous campaign, we fulfilled the goal that so many had longed for. Yet we aim to keep building legacy, which this year involves securing back to back Champions League titles," the Spanish coach stated before the current season began.
He has guided PSG to the Champions League last four for the third successive year since taking charge in 2023.
Under his leadership, PSG have dramatically advanced beyond the period dominated by Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and frequent continental setbacks.
For perspective on their steadiness with Luis Enrique: prior to his tenure, PSG had attained the Champions League semi finals only three times ever.
His achievements appear rooted in that enduring drive, plus a vibrant character that reflects in his squads style, full of vigour, relentless pressure, and blistering speed.
"He is the most upbeat individual I have encountered. He stays driven and cheerful at all times. We all gain from his outlook and perspective," commented PSGs Qatari owner Nasser al Khelaifi.
Drive
Luis Enrique celebrates his 56th birthday on Friday, yet that drive shines through in his personal pursuits too.
This is someone who has tackled triathlons and completed multiple marathons, including a sub three hour effort in Florence. Often spotted padding around the training pitch without shoes, he broke his collarbone in a cycling accident last September.
He bounced back swiftly from that setback and stayed wholly committed to PSG. Indeed the player who featured in three World Cups and managed Spain at the 2022 Qatar event shows little curiosity about the upcoming one in North America.
"My role is with PSG. Nothing else matters to me. I have no interest," he replied lately to a query about the World Cup.
The ex Real Madrid and Barcelona playmaker truly established himself in coaching by steering the Blaugrana, with Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, to a 2015 treble of Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.
This year, his handling of the roster has impressed, though aided by PSGs comfortable lead in Ligue 1.
Skipper Marquinhos, say, has featured in more European starts than domestic ones. Ballon dOr recipient Ousmane Dembele has begun exactly nine Ligue 1 matches, matching his Champions League appearances.
At the same time, the explosive Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has likely shone brightest in this terms Champions League.
Until this point, it has showcased masterful oversight, but the ultimate challenge looms in Munich on Wednesday.
If PSG overcome a formidable Bayern outfit, Luis Enrique edges nearer to joining the elite group of five managers with three European Cup or Champions League triumphs, including Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola.