Ousmane Dembélé, a Ballon d'Or winner, grins when he admits that if he does not press, he will be benched by manager Luis Enrique. This statement reveals a fundamental shift in Paris Saint-Germain's philosophy. The days of attackers only attacking are over; under Enrique, even the most gifted forwards must defend with enthusiasm.
This marks a dramatic departure from the star-studded forward line of Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar. That trio, while mouthwatering on paper, failed to deliver a Champions League title. Their lack of defensive contribution made PSG a predictable, unbalanced side. As the original article noted, "all attack and no defend made PSG a dull watch."
Luis Enrique has instilled a non-negotiable defensive work rate. Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola have all bought into this vision. They understand that pressing and tracking back are not chores but essential components of modern football. The team now derives joy from the dirty work, a sentiment echoed by Dembélé's calm acceptance of the rule.
This collective commitment has transformed PSG into a more cohesive unit. The attackers, once seen as pure flair players, now lead the press from the front. Their willingness to sacrifice personal glory for team structure has made PSG harder to beat and more dynamic in transition.
The change is not just tactical but cultural. The previous regime's reliance on individual brilliance has given way to a system where every player defends. This has created a sense of purpose and enjoyment, as evidenced by Dembélé's grin. The team seems to relish the challenge of a part of the game that was once considered beneath them.
By embracing defensive responsibilities, PSG's attackers have elevated their collective game. The lesson from the Mbappé-Messi-Neymar era was clear: football had evolved, and matches could not be won solely by attacking talent. Now, with everyone defending, PSG looks more dangerous than ever.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.