executioner of the Parisian club, possession at all costs, man marked by life … Five things to know about Luis Enrique, new coach of PSG

Six months after his difficult departure from the Spanish selection, after a failed World Cup, Luis Enrique will settle in Paris. Tuesday, franceinfo had had confirmation of the agreement between the two parties. It is now official, the Spanish coach was appointed head of PSG, Wednesday July 5, during a press conference in his new training center, still under construction. Its mission will be to supplant the contrasting results of Christophe Galtier, whose departure was made official at the end of the morning.

As a player or coach of FC Barcelona, ​​Luis Enrique often crossed paths with Paris Saint-Germain. To the detriment, often, of the club of the capital. France info: sports tells you more about the second Spanish coach to settle on the Parisian bench, after Unai Emery (2016-2018), and who will live his second experience abroad, after that lived at AS Roma in 2011- 2012.

Conductor of the Remontada at Camp Nou

Became reserve coach of FC Barcelona in 2008 to succeed Pep Guardiola, promoted to the first team, Luis Enrique becomes Barcelona number 1 May 19, 2014. At the head of the Catalan club for three years, where he led, among others, the Messi-Suarez-Neymar trio, the Spanish tactician notably won two La Liga titles (2015, 2016), three King’s Cups ( 2015, 2016, 2017) and a Champions League, in his first year.

In addition to all these trophies gleaned, his time on the Barça bench is marked by an unreal meeting, which has entered the legend of the Champions League. Swept away at the Parc des Princes in the first leg (4-0), in the round of 16 of C1, the Blaugranas signed one of the biggest feats in the history of the competition during the return to Camp Nou, by switching to the imaginary after Sergi Roberto’s winning goal (6-1). Luis Enriqueexult of joy while Unai Emery, his compatriot and PSG coach at that time, takes his head in his hands, in shock. La Remontada was born, it is also his work.

A proponent of possession, at any cost

The Spanish coach is known for his desire to keep control of the game by favoring possession of the ball. If this approach earned him his success at FC Barcelona, ​​it also caused him a lot of criticism when he was coach of Spain, from 2018 to 2022. This philosophy of play, which recalls that of Barça de Pep Guardiola, considered as one of the greatest teams in history, has reached a certain limit.

The evolution of modern football, more dynamic, physical and adaptable, forced Guardiola to evolve his tactics. Luis Enrique, he was stubborn, at his expense and those of Spain. Eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16 of the last World Cup, La Roja had finished with almost 77% possession and an impressive total of more than 1,000 passes attempted, for a single shot on target.

A man marked by the cruel death of his daughter

Well beyond a simple career as a player or coach, the life of Luis Enrique was marked by a tragic event. On June 19, 2019, he announced that he was leaving his post as Spain coach for “force majeure family reason“. The reason? His 9-year-old daughter, Xana, has osteosarcoma, a very aggressive bone cancer. On August 29, he himself announced his death on his Twitter account: “Our daughter Xana passed away this afternoon at the age of 9, after struggling for five intense months.” Three months later, on November 19, he resumed his place on the bench of the Spanish selection.

A European title with FC Barcelona against… Paris Saint-Germain

Luis Enrique is one of the few players to have played for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. But it is in Catalonia that he leaves his mark. Adored for his commitment to the field, the Spaniard quickly made a name for himself with the Blaugranas. His ability to multiply tasks on the field (he has played in all positions except central defender and goalkeeper) makes the native of Gijon a centerpiece of the Barcelona game.

Among Barça executives, Luis Enrique plays alongside Ronaldo, the Brazilian, with whom he reached the final of the Coupe des Coupes, May 14, 1997. That day, Luis Enrique’s FC Barcelona deprived Paris Saint- Germain of a second C2 title, thanks to a goal from his South American striker.

A strong character and difficult relations with the press

Renowned as an aggressive player on the lawns of La Liga, Luis Enrique has lost none of his character. Like a José Mourinho, the Spaniard communicates coldly to journalists, due to his tumultuous relations with the press. “I won’t be the friendliest, ’cause I don’t think I have to behe launched during his presentation as coach of La Roja. I’m just going to do my job.” He never hesitates to say what he thinks, without filter, to the press as to his players.