Luis Enrique, the genius who walks barefoot

Few were betting on the success of this Paris Saint-Germain side when the season began. Mbappé's departure for the white half of the Spanish capital suggested the beginning of a period of transition at the Parc des Princes. It's never easy to digest the departure of a footballer of that caliber, and history confirms that in most cases, it takes time to rebuild. "I'm convinced that next season we'll be better," Luis Enrique, always going against the grain, declared a few months ago, in the middle of the summer preseason following the departure of his star player. Once again, the Asturian's almost canine instinct hasn't failed him. On May 31, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, PSG will play Inter in their second Champions League final ever, and they're daydreaming about joining the elite club of champions.

Luis Enrique, a league champion and still in the Champions League and Cup, is chasing Guardiola, the only one with two trebles.

An almost unthinkable scenario after a start to the tournament that further increased the doubts surrounding the Parisian side, which were numerous at the time. The fortunate victory against Girona in the opening match was followed by three defeats and a draw that left PSG on the brink of a surprising elimination. But in the worst of scenarios, Luis Enrique is able to remain calm and transmit optimism. Unfortunately, life has taught him how to overcome the most difficult situation a human being can go through: the loss of a daughter. And with that same poise, the Asturian, relying on his team's performance as his main argument, continued to believe. A few matches later, including three tough ties against English teams, the Gijón native seems to be back on the right track.

"He who doesn't give his all doesn't play. Luis Enrique's philosophy has brought us this far," says captain Marquinhos.

Without having to fit Mbappé into the squad, and without a clear leader in the locker room, Luis Enrique has been able to express himself freely and maximize his team approach, the one dictated by his playbook. Something similar to what he did with the Spanish national team, where he planted the seeds of the success that Luis de la Fuente has reaped. "Anyone who doesn't give their all doesn't play; that's Luis Enrique's philosophy that has brought us this far," captain Marquinhos stated bluntly, minutes after eliminating Arsenal.

The Asturian coach was convinced that Mbappé's departure would make PSG a better team... and he was right.

The Parisian dressing room is clear about it. Blind faith in their coach, who holds the key to unleashing their full potential. The move with Dembélé is the best example, moving the former Barça player to the center and revealing himself as a great goalscorer, a product of the Asturian hat trick. And what can we say about Fabián, who has finally convinced Luis Enrique after a somewhat hesitant start—already inherited from the Spanish national team —and is now the undisputed brain of PSG in midfield, where he also contributes with his arrival, as Arsenal suffered.

Extravagant at times, with his constant obsession with physical exercise and his practice of earthing—walking barefoot to connect with the Earth—but with the unwavering trust of Luis Campos, the sporting director, the Asturian wants to continue making history and achieve his second treble in a coaching role, something only Guardiola has achieved. Achraf Hakimi already said on Wednesday: “Luis Enrique has created a great team; he's a genius.”