PSG’s Weak Spot: Why defensive teams remain a problem for Luis Enrique
Champions League winners still seeking solutions ahead of Super Cup clash with Tottenham
Paris Saint-Germain may be the reigning Champions League holders, but breaking down disciplined defensive opponents remains one of their biggest tactical challenges. Luis Enrique’s side has dominated Europe with high-paced, possession-driven football, yet recent matches have exposed a vulnerability against teams willing to sit deep and deny space.
The issue was clear at the Club World Cup. PSG laboured to create chances against Botafogo before being frustrated again in the final by Chelsea, who combined a deep defensive block with controlled possession to blunt the Parisian attack.
Enrique’s System Under the Microscope
Enrique’s philosophy thrives when opponents attack, creating gaps for quick combinations and counter-movements. Against low-block systems, however, PSG often struggle to maintain patience, leading to rushed passes, misplaced balls, and a breakdown in attacking structure.
Analysts point to the need for greater variation in build-up play including faster switches of play, more movement between the lines, and increased reliance on set pieces to consistently unlock compact defenses.
Tottenham Next in Line
Their next test comes on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur. While the English side may not park the bus entirely, manager Thomas Frank’s squad has shown the ability to contain opponents and strike on the counter precisely the type of scenario that has caused PSG problems in the past.
Lessons for the Season Ahead
With the 2025/26 campaign just beginning, PSG’s title ambitions may hinge on solving this puzzle. Dominating open games is no longer enough; to stay at the summit of European football, the Parisians must find ways to break down teams who prefer defending their way to victory.
