Summary of "How have PSG built the best team in Europe?" – The Athletic FC Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Athletic FC Podcast
• Host: Ayo Akinwolere
• Guests: Adam Crafton, James Horncastle, Liam Tharm
• Release Date: June 2, 2025
• Episode Topic: Paris Saint Germain's (PSG) journey to becoming Europe's top football team by winning the Champions League.

1. PSG's Historic Champions League Victory

Overview of the Final: The episode opens with Adam Leventhal discussing PSG's dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. This win marks PSG's first-ever Champions League trophy, a long-cherished goal for the club.

Performance Analysis: James Horncastle, who attended the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, provides a vivid account of PSG's performance:

• “I saw this very young PSG team show up and play to the peak of their powers, which you can't take for granted in finals.” ([03:46])
• He emphasizes the high level of play and contrasts it with Inter’s underwhelming performance, labeling PSG's display as “one of the best displays I've seen in person ever.”

Reactions in Italy: The podcast delves into the Italian response to Inter's defeat. Alessandro Del Piero highlighted the minimal support for Inter, indicating a sense of schadenfreude among rival fans:

• “Schadenfreude at Inter's demise because Inter have made both Juventus and Milan look bad in recent years.” ([04:00])

The loss has sparked discussions about Serie A's credibility, with some viewing this as a missed opportunity for Italy to reclaim prominence in European football.

2. Emotional Elements and Leadership at PSG

Luis Enrique's Personal Story: A significant emotional thread in PSG's victory is the tribute to coach Luis Enrique. James describes the heartfelt support from PSG fans, including a tifo honoring Enrique's late daughter:

• “There wasn't the only kind of possibility to emote and feel empathy towards Luis Enrique, who was brilliant.” ([06:34])

Impact of Personal Loss: After the match, Luis Enrique shared a poignant moment that moved many:

• “Zanna's not only with me in spirit, when we win, she's there for me more even when we lose.” ([06:34])

This personal element added depth to PSG's triumph, highlighting the human side of competitive sports.

Leadership Style: The discussion shifts to Luis Enrique's leadership and coaching philosophy. James and Paige analyze how his straightforward, motivational approach resonates with players:

• “He wants what Michael Jordan brought to the game – hustle and harassment.” ([08:51])
• “He clearly does have a very defined style of play, which makes him more likable and less annoying to the average person.” ([08:51])

Enrique’s ability to inspire individual commitment without overcomplicating tactics has been pivotal in PSG's success.

3. Strategic Team Building and Financial Management

Role of Luis Campos: Liam Tharm provides an in-depth look at the strategic decisions made by PSG's sporting director, Luis Campos. Campos's tenure has been marked by a shift towards nurturing young talent and fostering a cohesive team dynamic:

• “For the first time, which I think came more from the president, Nasral Khalifi, than Campos himself, there was a deliberate strategy to become more about the team.” ([27:13])

Recruitment and Financial Strategy: The podcast highlights PSG's balanced approach to spending, focusing on acquiring young talent with high potential rather than solely purchasing established superstars:

• “They are spending big money but on more players and younger players means they can either have that success and they'll be worth way more or they can cash them in quickly if it's not quite working.” ([33:50])

Sustainable Approach: Liam emphasizes PSG's move towards sustainability by investing in academy graduates and maintaining financial prudence:

• “PSG have spent money on more players and young players, which means they can have success or move on if things don't work out.” ([31:25])

4. Impact on European Football and Future Prospects

Comparison with Rival Teams: The episode discusses PSG's victory in the broader context of European football's hierarchy. Liam observes that while PSG has cemented its status, other top clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich remain formidable:

• “They are definitely better set up at least. I can only really sort of speak technically and tactically in terms of squad depth than they've been before.” ([42:05])

Future Challenges: Looking ahead, the podcast addresses potential obstacles PSG may face, including squad depth and the pressure to maintain their top position:

• “They still need to add some sort of backups and second, third choices because their first 11 is really, really good.” ([42:12])

Influence on Ligue 1: PSG's dominance has significant implications for Ligue 1, potentially widening the financial and competitive gap within the league:

• “The French TV deal domestically has been a disaster for several years, so there isn't really a threat within France whatsoever to PSG anymore.” ([45:02])

5. Controversies and Aftermath of the Victory

Post-Match Unrest: The celebrations following PSG's Champions League win led to significant disturbances in France, with reports of deaths, injuries, and arrests:

• “Two people have died following the disorder in France... 192 further people were injured and some 491 arrests have been made.” ([36:44])

Pressure on Leadership: Nasser Al Khalifi, PSG’s president, faces heightened scrutiny following the victory. His role in shaping PSG's success and handling the aftermath of the win is examined:

• “He's now become one of the most recognizable kind of frontman figures in world football.” ([37:34])

The episode reflects on Al Khalifi’s broader influence in European football and his strategic decisions that led to PSG's triumph.

6. Concluding Insights

Sustainability and Continued Success: Liam Tharm concludes that PSG is well-positioned for sustained success due to their strategic investments in youth and squad depth. However, he cautions that maintaining this level will require ongoing commitment and adaptability:

• “They're only ever sort of a minor injury crisis away from going... but I think they'll be really exciting to watch again next season.” ([42:12])

Implications for French Football: Thierry Henry's remarks underscore the national significance of PSG's victory, highlighting both the pride it brings and the challenges it poses for Ligue 1's competitive balance:

• “This is an important moment for French football... but the gap is only going to become bigger as a result of their success.” ([45:02])

The episode wraps up by acknowledging PSG's monumental achievement while contemplating its lasting effects on both the club and European football at large.

Notable Quotes:

• “One of the best displays I've seen in person ever.” – James Horncastle ([03:46])
• “Zanna's not only with me in spirit, when we win, she's there for me more even when we lose.” – Luis Enrique ([06:34])
• “He wants what Michael Jordan brought to the game – hustle and harassment.” – James Horncastle ([08:51])
• “We are going to very deliberately change our strategy to become more about a team.” – Liam Tharm ([30:56])

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of PSG's journey to Champions League glory, exploring tactical brilliance, emotional depth, strategic team building, and the broader implications for European football. Through insightful discussions and firsthand accounts, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of what makes PSG a formidable force in modern football.