High pressing, fast movement, versatility… Since his arrival on the bench of Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique has imposed his paw on all levels and the Spanish technician has clearly restored a playing identity to the capital club. Beyond tactical principles, another strong trend has emerged over the months: the promotion of Parisian Titis, now at the heart of the sporting project. From Warren Zaire-Emery, regularly installed in the Parisian eleven, to Ibrahim Mbaye via Senny Mayulu, Quentin Ndjantou or even the young David Boly, the former coach of La Roja has never hesitated to give playing time to young people, even in high-stakes matches. Long criticized for its inability to integrate the talents from its training center – which is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary – PSG, under the leadership of its new architect, has finally changed paradigm.
Promising youth
Saturday evening, during PSG’s victory (3-0) against HAC, the Parisian Titis were once again in the spotlight with the tenure of three of them and the very good entry into play of Quentin Ndjantou. “From year to year, there are more and more young people playing. We try to give our best on the pitch. I have a very good relationship with the coach and I try to repay him the confidence he gives me with these minutes played.confided the latter at the final whistle. Seen in the mixed zone a few minutes later, Senny Mayulu also commented with joy on this turn taken. “It’s no small thing to celebrate 50 years, we shouldn’t minimize that. It’s a good training center, a very good one in fact. To see titis rise, it’s a pleasure and a source of pride.”.
Considered among the most efficient in Europe, the training center of the new reigning European champions had until now rarely served as a springboard towards the first team. An era that has passed since the arrival of Luis Enrique, determined to create the same dynamic as that applied during his time at Barcelona. “Here, merit takes precedence over age”likes to repeat the 55-year-old Spaniard. After his team’s new victory against Le Havre – a success allowing PSG to regain first place in Ligue 1 – the Parisian technician took the time to recall the importance he attached to the younger generation.
A break with past practices
“What is important for these players is that they have important minutes of play, which have value. If they come on when you win 4-0, it doesn’t do anything. I am very motivated by the idea of ​​giving minutes to titis who have the level. I don’t give gifts. Ndjantou deserved to play, Mbaye is in a difficult moment, he lacks a little confidence, but I remain calm and confident. It is important for me and for the club to give confidence to the players at the training center. The players we consider to have the level, they will have confidence and that is why we do not sign external players. It’s easier for a French guy to play for PSG than to spend a lot of money on a player who comes from another club..
Beyond the sporting interest – especially at a time when the Rouge et Bleu have to deal with numerous physical problems – this strategy is therefore part of a club project where the emergence of the Titis ultimately has an important identity dimension, making it possible to counterbalance the overwhelming place given to international stars. More than words, this desire displayed by PSG is also found in the daily work of the Parisian coach where the Titis are ultimately more integrated into tactical sessions, video meetings and benefit from individualized monitoring that several of them welcome internally. By placing his Titis at the heart of the project and marking a real break with the more compartmentalized management of previous years, Luis Enrique ultimately brings more than a style of play: he imprints a vision. A vision where PSG is no longer content with attracting talent from around the world but also chooses to help its own grow.
