Former PSG midfielder praised the transformation under Luis Enrique after the French champions knocked out Bayern Munich to set up a final against Arsenal
David Beckham has revealed the extraordinary level of dedication shown by Luis Enrique behind the scenes at Paris Saint-Germain, claiming the Spanish coach slept every night at the club’s training ground during his first year in charge.
Beckham shared the insight after PSG secured their place in the Champions League final with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
The French champions progressed 6-5 on aggregate after surviving intense pressure in Germany, setting up a final showdown against Arsenal in Budapest later this month.
Beckham, who spent part of his playing career at PSG during the 2012/13 season, praised both the tactical identity and mentality Luis Enrique has built since arriving in Paris.
“I spoke to the president of PSG Nasser Al-Khelaifi at PSG. He said in the first year, Luis Enrique virtually slept every night at the training facility,” Beckham during Paramount+’s post-match coverage.
“He was working on how he wants the team to look, how he wants the team to play, who he wants, what the future looks like.
“He wants them all at the level par, all wanting the same thing. He’s bringing these young players through. He also wants players that are just going to run and not stop. And that’s what he’s got, that’s what he’s built.”
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Luis Enrique’s influence has become increasingly visible throughout PSG’s European campaign. After years of criticism surrounding the club’s reliance on superstar individuals, the current side has developed into a more balanced and collective unit built around intensity, pressing and tactical discipline.
Luis Enrique praises PSG defending after Bayern triumph
Following the semi-final victory over Bayern, Luis Enrique himself highlighted the defensive resilience his side showed under immense pressure away from home.
“We are not used to defending, but we defended like angels,” the PSG manager told Movistar+ after the match.
The Spaniard also paid tribute to Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta ahead of the upcoming final, with the two coaches sharing a long history dating back to their early playing days in Spain.
“I appreciate Mikelito Arteta! We used to be teammates when we were kids, he did a great job at Arsenal,” Luis Enrique said.
“It will be difficult, hard game but we believe in our football style.”
Arsenal booked their place in the final after overcoming Atlético Madrid 2-1 on aggregate in a tightly contested semi-final. Mikel Arteta’s side reached the Champions League final for only the second time in club history and will now attempt to win the competition for the first time.