Luis Enrique’s Unconventional Penalty Taker Approach at PSG
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has introduced an unconventional approach to penalty takers, opting not to designate a specific player for the role. Instead, the Spanish tactician has decided to appoint a penalty taker on match day, before kick-off. This decision is reportedly a symbolic gesture aimed at building a collective spirit within the team, where every player is on equal footing.
In a preseason press conference, Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of the club, PSG, being the leader. This approach is a departure from the traditional method of appointing a single penalty taker, which was a source of controversy during Neymar and Kylian Mbappé’s time at the club.
The controversy surrounding penalty takers at PSG was dubbed "Penaltygates." Mbappé was the undisputed penalty taker last season, but with his departure, the role is now up for grabs. In the opening match of the season, centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani took charge of a penalty kick, which created confusion with midfielder Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé.
This unconventional approach could be a key factor in Luis Enrique’s plan to have at least four of his players hit double figures this season. By not designating a specific penalty taker, the coach is putting pressure on his players to perform and compensate for the loss of Mbappé.
What’s Next?
As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this approach plays out for PSG. Will it lead to a more collective effort from the team, or will it create confusion and mistakes on the pitch? One thing is certain, Luis Enrique’s unconventional approach has already generated significant buzz in the football world.
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