How Luis Enrique replaced PSG superstar egos with formidable team unit as Steven Gerrard tips UEFA Champions League holders to dominate for years

React to this story

Steven Gerrard believes Luis Enrique has transformed Paris Saint-Germain into a side ”capable of dominating Europe for years to come” after moving away from the club’s era of superstar egos in favour of a younger, harder-working squad.

Highlights: Dembele decisive as PSG power past Bayern to reach final

Video credit: TNT Sports

PSG booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final with a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, sealing a 6–5 aggregate victory.

Ousmane Dembele struck inside three minutes for the defending champions, finishing from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cutback to put the tie firmly in PSG’s control.

Bayern struggled to match the attacking intensity of the first leg, though Manuel Neuer produced key saves to keep them in contention.

Ballon d’Or

'He disappeared' - Petit discounts Kane's Ballon d'Or hopes

26/07/2026 at 17:46

The hosts were frustrated by a rejected handball appeal, while Harry Kane’s stoppage-time strike set up a tense finish that ultimately came too late.

Enrique's side will now face Arsenal in the final in Budapest on 30 May, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Gerrard told TNT Sports: ”He’s built a team that could dominate for years to come. He’s been incredible. A couple of years back, he had a lot of star names in his team, a lot of prima donnas down the years - and I mean that respectfully.

Gerrard on 'incredible' Enrique and how PSG 'could dominate for years to come'

Video credit: TNT Sports

"Egos, players who didn’t really want to roll up their sleeves and work hard for the team. They only really wanted to play when they were in possession. I tell you, this guy doesn’t have that.

”He pushed all of that aside and brought through a whole group of young players. He recruited extremely well and built a team around strong principles and values.

"The respect the players have for him is clear. They want to follow his instructions and his game plan. What he’s done over these two legs is realise they had to control Bayern defensively. They celebrated last-ditch defending like it was a goal.”

The image that sums up this PSG

After nine goals from 22 attempts in the first leg, only two were scored from 33 shots in the second as both defences improved markedly on the open contest eight days earlier.

Marquinhos and Willian Pacho stood out at the heart of the PSG defence to keep Kane quiet until his late consolation goal briefly threatened extra time.

Desire Doue & Ousmane Dembele

Image credit: Getty Images

In progressing to the final, the European champions demonstrated another side to their game and there was one moment in particular that Owen Hargreaves highlighted as evidence of the spirit Enrique has instilled in his squad.

Hargreaves said: ”You don’t win the Champions League without defending your box well. There was no space, everyone put a shift in and Bayern couldn’t manufacture chances.

"The image of a Ballon d’Or winner in Dembele celebrating a late tackle sums up this PSG team. That’s the sign of a real side. They’ve evolved from what they used to be. They once had all the star players, but now the manager is the star.

Kane 'disconsolate' as Bayern fall short against PSG

Video credit: TNT Sports

”When you think about how PSG attacked last week, their defensive performance tonight was absolutely remarkable. The transformation of this group from what it used to be to what it is now is extraordinary. What a job Luis Enrique has done.

”Every one of these players buys in. We all want to see attacking football and goals but you have to work collectively. Every team that wins this trophy has to do it together. You can’t carry anyone. Everyone attacks and defends.

"They are such a joy to watch. Bayern played well but every PSG player was behind the ball when needed. This team is going to be around for quite some time because they’re young, dynamic and have a brilliant coach who adapts to whatever the game demands.”

'Kvaratskhelia the best winger in world right now'

Despite PSG’s defensive excellence, it was impossible to overlook Kvaratskhelia as the most captivating player on the pitch from the moment he created Dembele’s early goal.

The Georgian once again dazzled with his close control and ability to escape tight spaces.

Kvaratskhelia 'proud' to make final, wants to play 'best game of my life'

Video credit: TNT Sports

With Kane once more denied the chance to lift the Champions League trophy, his glazed eyes at the final whistle served as a painful reminder of how fleeting a footballer’s career can be.

But if the England captain misses out on the Ballon d’Or later this year, Kvaratskhelia strengthened his own case significantly.

Gerrard added: ”He’s just so powerful, so dangerous and capable of going both ways. What an assist. He gets down the left and most wingers are wasteful in that moment but it was a huge early moment in the game and he delivered a perfect ball for Dembele.

”But it’s also the other side of his game. A lot of wingers only want to do the glamorous side when they have the ball at their feet but this guy does it all. He works, tackles, fights, assists and scores. He’s the best winger in the world right now.”

Kompany hits out at officials after PSG loss - 'Too much went against us'

Video credit: TNT Sports

”There are a lot of dribblers who dribble for the sake of it. But for me, if you’re going to dribble, there has to be an end product. Is it leading to a shot, a cross or combination play? If you’re an attacking player, you should be watching the four wingers who played tonight. He was the best of the lot. It was frightening.”

Hargreaves commented: ”He doesn’t really do tricks. Everything is functional. The chops, the changes of direction - there’s purpose behind it all. It’s exceptional to watch, and he’s a great example for young players.”

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Ballon d’Or