Ex-Barcelona Ace Reveals How Luis Enrique Taught Him ‘to Love Football’ | OneFootball

This season, Paris Saint-Germain has given manager Luis Enrique full control, signaling the end of the superstar era in the French capital. With this new freedom, the Spanish coach can shape the team to his liking.

Enrique demonstrated his authority this week by leaving Ousmane Dembélé out of the squad for the UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal. Despite this, one former player remains thankful for how Enrique treated him.

Before joining PSG, Enrique last managed FC Barcelona, where Ivan Rakitić was one of his players. The 36-year-old recently spoke to L’Equipe about the valuable lessons he learned from the Spanish manager during their time together at the Catalan club.

“To love football,” Rakitić told the French media outlet. “And the way you need to prepare to play football. He believes that if you are ready to face every situation, your game will be easier to play. You have to prepare the machine. Know that if you go to the right on the field, you know what will happen, and the same if you go to the left.

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“He gives you as many tools as possible to always be ready in the smallest details. It requires spending a lot of time training, watching videos, and having many discussions as well. But once you’re on the field, you notice the difference.”

It’ll be interesting to see if Enrique sees himself with PSG for the long term, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. However, reports suggest he might sign an extension soon, which would solidify this as Enrique’s team if he stays.