Paris Saint-Germain won the Ligue 1 title 57 days ago, and manager Luis Enrique has given key players extended breaks to prepare for the Champions League final against Inter. However, the long gap between domestic success and the European showpiece has raised questions about whether the team's rhythm has been disrupted.
Since clinching the title with a 1-0 win over Angers, PSG have played low-stakes matches in Ligue 1, including a surprising defeat to Nice. Enrique rested stars such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, and Ousmane Dembélé, with Donnarumma playing only once in three weeks and Dembélé struggling for form. A former PSG medical staff member called the break a 'bad idea, strictly from a physical standpoint,' comparing it to turning off an engine.
Despite the concerns, players like Hakimi and Fabián Ruiz showed no rust in the Coupe de France final against Reims, which PSG won 3-0. However, the match was seen as a warmup for the Champions League final, with Reims manager Samba Diawara admitting his team's focus was on a relegation playoff. PSG's recent league wins have been comfortable, but the lack of competition contrasts sharply with Inter's tense Serie A title race, which went to the final day.
Enrique has defended his approach, saying rest is vital for mental preparation. 'Every player has a personal plan,' he said, though he acknowledged the challenge of motivating the squad. The final against Inter in Munich will test whether PSG's careful management pays off or leaves them short of match sharpness.
