Kylian Mbappe‘s departure from Paris Saint-Germain marked the end of an era, but has it also ushered in a better version of the club? That’s the question many have been asking as PSG, under Luis Enrique, continues to impress in both domestic and European competitions.
After seven years in Paris, Mbappe left the club as its all-time top scorer with 256 goals. His final season was nothing short of exceptional—44 goals, 10 assists, and three trophies, including Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophee des Champions. Yet, despite his heroics, PSG fell short in the Champions League, losing to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals.
This season, however, the French giants look stronger than ever. Without their talisman, they are playing a more fluid, team-oriented style—and they showed it in their dominant UEFA Champions League performances, particularly against Liverpool.
Life after Mbappe: More cohesive PSG?
Many wondered how the Parisians would replace a player who contributed to 54 goal involvements in a single season. However, Luis Enrique’s tactical adjustments have allowed the team to flourish in new ways. Rather than relying on one superstar to dictate attacking play, the Red-and-Blues now deploy a versatile front three, featuring Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This trio rotates seamlessly across the front line, constantly shifting positions to confuse defenders.
Kvaratskhelia has shown his adaptability, often dropping into central areas to pick up possession, sometimes even swapping places with Fabian Ruiz in midfield. This unpredictability has made PSG’s attack more dynamic and harder to defend against.
Beyond the frontline, the midfield has become a major strength. Players like Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz not only contribute to possession but also take on defensive responsibilities when needed. Vitinha, in particular, has been a revelation, averaging a 94.04% passing accuracy in the Champions League and completing 103 out of 111 passes against Liverpool, Squawka reports.
How did Mbappe respond to the debate?
Despite PSG’s resurgence, the man at the center of the discussion—Kylian Mbappe—has remained unfazed. Now shining at Real Madrid, where he has already scored 31 goals across all competitions, the 26-year-old remains focused on his new club’s quest for an unprecedented treble.
Speaking to Le Parisien, the French superstar was asked if PSG is better off without him. His response? Measured and diplomatic. “People say PSG is better without me? It’s not something that concerns me… I watch all football matches and obviously PSG’s too. I really wish them the best. But I’m focused on Real Madrid and this historic treble we can achieve.“
