In the return match played at the Allianz Arena against Bayern, more than in the first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique and PSG showcased the completeness and depth of their football. While at the Parc des Princes we witnessed a true ping pong match between the two attacking units, in Munich the French team adopted a slightly different approach: less flamboyant, or simply more balanced. Luis Enrique did not erase – nor deny – the identity on which PSG stands, but moved some pieces so that the game would emerge slightly dirtier. Even very particular things, for example the goal kicks from goalkeeper Safonov. Which, in fact, were kicked poorly, meaning they were directed almost always beyond the sideline.
No, we are not exaggerating. Below is a video showing quite a few goal kicks where Safonov always kicks the ball towards a single area of the field: to the left and just beyond midfield, more precisely towards Kvaratskhelia. Obviously, we cannot know all the real reasons that led the Spanish coach to make this choice, but it is easy to imagine that the basic idea is to press high in an uncomfortable situation for the opponents – somewhat like the deliberately kicked-out kickoff, another trick invented by PSG and its coach.
Beyond the outcome of the goal kicks, this tactical mechanism starts from an analysis of what is on the field: PSG, especially compared to Bayern Munich, does not have players of great physical stature, it is a team that struggles to win aerial duels, so it is more convenient to concede a “difficult possession” to the opponents rather than contesting the ball in the air. The same lateral throw-in in the defensive zone, according to data accumulated over the years by analysts, is a game situation in which even great teams often end up losing possession: we are talking about a success rate of 50%. In light of all this, therefore, the poorly executed goal kicks by Safonov have allowed and continue to allow PSG to put Bayern Munich in difficulty. Even if, in fact, Luis Enrique’s team ends up handing the ball back to the opponents.
It is significant that it is precisely PSG and Luis Enrique, a team and a coach who would – have – the construction from the back in their DNA, who have all the knowledge and tools to initiate play in a refined manner with the goalkeeper and defenders, have decided to execute the goal kicks this way . This move could be defined as counter-ideological, anti-cultural, and instead the right concept is another: Luis Enrique, working in this way, has shown to be a coach capable of interpreting moments, the signals coming from the field, even the changes in the game. This is no small feat, indeed it is a lot: it is a sign of greatness.