Following Graham Potter's dismissal from Chelsea in 4/2023, Luis Enrique emerged as a top contender for the managerial role, alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Ruben Amorim. British media reported Enrique even traveled to London for discussions, reportedly impressing the American ownership. However, the position ultimately went to Mauricio Pochettino after Frank Lampard's interim tenure.

When questioned about his London trip, Enrique responded humorously to Spanish reporters at Barcelona airport, "If you all perform the famous haka, I'll answer! I've just returned from Formentera! A wonderful trip, a paradise island." This lighthearted reply, while respecting Chelsea, masked the underlying story.

A few months later, Enrique took the helm at PSG.

Luis Enrique at a PSG training session during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Photo: psg.fr

Luis Enrique at a PSG training session during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Photo: psg.fr

Reflecting on PSG's transformation since the summer of 2023 and Chelsea's recent overhaul, similarities emerge. Had Enrique taken the Chelsea job, the trajectory of both clubs might have been drastically different.

In the summer of 2023, Enrique's reputation had dimmed after Spain's World Cup exit against Morocco. Spain's 1019 passes and 77% possession proved futile, a match often dubbed "the death by a thousand passes." This, coupled with a similar defeat to Russia in the 2018 World Cup (1115 passes, almost 80% possession), raised questions about Enrique's possession-based tactics and his reliance on Barcelona's star trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar.

However, Enrique's adaptability shone through. PSG, under his guidance, became a high-intensity, pressing team. Their Champions League triumph over Inter Milan and the demolition of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi-final showcased a new, dynamic style, centered on skillful wingers and dribbling prowess. Enrique had reinvented himself and his team, creating a PSG that was both exciting and effective.

Winger Desire Doue on the attack during PSG's 2-0 victory over Bayern in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final on 6/7. Photo: AFP

Winger Desire Doue on the attack during PSG's 2-0 victory over Bayern in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final on 6/7. Photo: AFP

Enrique's greatest achievement was unifying PSG, creating a cohesive unit and one of Europe's best pressing sides. This transformation was facilitated by a radical shift in philosophy, likely only possible with substantial financial backing. Within two years, 22 players departed and 20 arrived at a cost exceeding 800 million USD. Stars like Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe left, giving Enrique unprecedented control.

Under sporting director Luis Campos, PSG focused on young talent, both through acquisitions and academy promotions. Few teams in European competitions last season fielded a younger average squad. The team also regained a French identity with players like Doue and Barcola joining homegrown talents like Zaire-Emery, Mbaye, and Mayulu.

Chelsea's approach mirrored PSG's. Since Clearlake Capital's 2022 takeover, they spent over 1.3 billion USD, initially on established players like Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, then shifting focus to younger prospects.

Enrique celebrates with Dembele and Vitinha after PSG's 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter on 31/5. Photo: AFP

Enrique celebrates with Dembele and Vitinha after PSG's 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter on 31/5. Photo: AFP

However, PSG boasts more experienced players. Ballon d'Or contender Ousmane Dembele is 28, key midfielder Fabian Ruiz is 29, and captain Marquinhos is 31. Chelsea's oldest players, Tosin Adarabioyo and Robert Sanchez, are both 27.

While both clubs spent heavily, PSG offered higher wages. Chelsea employed longer contracts for amortization, with lower base salaries for easier player sales. PSG appointed the experienced Campos as sporting director, while Chelsea opted for emerging talents like Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, supported by Joe Shields and Sam Jewell.

Another key difference is Enrique, a treble-winning manager with vast experience. Chelsea experimented with Lampard and Pochettino before appointing Enzo Maresca, a less experienced manager completing his first top-flight season. Maresca’s appointment signaled a youth-focused project.

Maresca's first season had its ups and downs, but he secured the Conference League title, Chelsea's first trophy under new ownership, a 4th-place Premier League finish, and a Club World Cup final appearance.

Enzo Maresca guides Chelsea during their 2-0 semi-final win against Fluminense at MetLife Stadium on 8/7. Photo: AFP

Enzo Maresca guides Chelsea during their 2-0 semi-final win against Fluminense at MetLife Stadium on 8/7. Photo: AFP

Chelsea has already achieved its financial targets in the tournament, earning over 110 million USD, potentially reaching almost 122 million USD if they win. Even with a victory, Chelsea isn’t guaranteed the title of world's best. However, facing PSG in their 64th game of the season presents a significant test.

Chelsea shares similarities with PSG, but tonight's match will reveal the benchmark they must meet to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Compiled by Hoang Thong