The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
How PSG became Champions League favourites
Apr 7, 2025
Liam Tharme, a tactics and data expert at The Athletic, dives into PSG's remarkable transformation under Luis Enrique. He discusses how the team has shifted from individual brilliance to a cohesive, versatile unit, enhancing their offensive strategy and aggressive pressing. Tharme highlights Kylian Mbappe's pivotal role and how PSG has creatively adapted to counter rivals like Aston Villa. He also examines their prospects for Champions League glory, focusing on the blend of youth and experience driving their dominance.
41:12
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Luis Enrique's tactical philosophy emphasizes a fluid, adaptable style, fostering both teamwork and individual contributions for greater offensive dynamism.
- PSG has transformed into a more aggressive pressing side, showcasing improved defensive intensity while effectively creating scoring opportunities through strategic midfield play.
Deep dives
Luis Enrique's Tactical Philosophy
Luis Enrique has instilled a distinctive tactical philosophy at PSG that emphasizes a fluid and adaptable style of play. The team often adopts a 3-2 buildup shape, with wide dominance enabling them to effectively engage and manipulate opposing defenses. Key players like Ashraf Hakimi push into advanced positions, creating space for others like Ousmane Dembele, who has been repositioned to a more central role, allowing for greater attacking dynamism. This tactical flexibility, with interchanging roles among forwards and midfielders, has made PSG less reliant on individual brilliance and more cohesive as a unit.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
