Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has established itself as a dominant force in European football, having clinched the UEFA Champions League trophy in back-to-back seasons. Under the guidance of head coach Luis Enrique, the team is now setting its sights on a remarkable treble, a feat that would solidify their status among the elite clubs in the competition's history.
PSG captain Marquinhos expressed the team's ambition, stating, "Doing the treble is the objective, but we know it’s going to be very difficult and that there will be obstacles in our way." This acknowledgment of the challenges reflects the heightened competition in the Champions League, especially after the club's previous struggles in Europe.
The turning point for PSG came with the appointment of Luis Enrique in 2023. The former Barcelona and Spain manager led the team to the semi-finals in his inaugural season, and following the departure of superstar Kylian Mbappe in 2024, PSG evolved into a more balanced squad. They showcased their strength by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2025 Champions League final, marking their first title in the tournament.
PSG continued their success by overcoming Premier League champions Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout during last season's final in Budapest, becoming only the second team in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy. Achieving a three-peat would place PSG in the company of legendary teams such as Real Madrid, which accomplished the feat from 2016 to 2018 under Zinedine Zidane, and Ajax and Bayern Munich, who both achieved three consecutive European Cups in the 1970s.
However, the road to a third consecutive title is fraught with challenges. The new format of the Champions League has increased the number of matches required to win the trophy, with PSG playing a total of 17 games in each of the last two campaigns. This demanding schedule has raised concerns about player fatigue, especially given that the squad has played 121 competitive matches over the past two seasons with minimal breaks.
Despite these challenges, PSG's attacking prowess remains formidable. The team boasts a dynamic front line featuring Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, supported by the attacking runs of full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. In midfield, the diminutive Portuguese playmaker Vitinha orchestrates the play, enabling the team to dominate matches against physically imposing opponents.
As the new season unfolds, PSG's European campaign begins with a favorable matchup against Slovan Bratislava. However, the competition will intensify as they prepare to face Manchester City and Barcelona later in October. The squad has undergone some changes, with the sale of key players like Bradley Barcola to Liverpool and the departures of Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in, and Ibrahim Mbaye. In contrast, new signings Maghnes Akliouche and Ferran Torres, who has a strong connection with Luis Enrique, are expected to make significant contributions.
Enrique himself remains a central figure in PSG's ambitions, having recently signed a contract extension that keeps him at the club until 2030. He expressed his motivation, stating, "It is the first time I have stayed four years at the same club, and I am more motivated than I was in my first year." This commitment and hunger for success could spell trouble for PSG's rivals as they aim for another historic Champions League title.
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