Champions PSG Say Belief Is Stronger Than Injuries

PSG, the current Champions League champions, play their first match in defence of the title against Atalanta this Wednesday. Despite the daunting injury crisis affecting the club, manager Luis Enrique says that the mood in the squad is better than ever.

The French heroes, who won their first Champions League trophy in grand style last season with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, enter their European adventure without several stars. Ousmane Dembele, one of the main inspirational outlets, is sidelined for six weeks because of a tear in his hamstring.

Teenage midfielder Desire Doue is also sidelined with an injury to his calf sustained in international duty, and defender Lucas Beraldo has been made to miss out on a problem with his ankle.

In most cases, these disasters would put preparations in a bad light among most teams. But Enrique has decided to reverse the story. In Tuesday’s press conference, he stated that he was more confident than at the same time last year, citing the experience of PSG in 2024/25, unable to endure the group stage without stuttering, but now champions of Europe.

The title run changed the team’s mentality. PSG had lost three and drawn one match during the league and then survived the playoffs, but as soon as the players understood that they could take the whole trophy, their mentality changed. The first season’s title is the most difficult, as the participants do not think they can win it. I know now, said Enrique.

Is PSG offensive domestically?

Their keenness is evidenced by four consecutive Ligue 1 victories, the last of which was a 2-0 victory over Lens previous weekend. They are leading the league table with 12 points, evidence that their loss of key names has not slowed their start to the season.

The Champions League, however, presents a more difficult challenge. Atalanta, risky in the change and tactically trained, will target finding an opportunity in the PSG reformed lineup. However, Enrique still believes that the injury losses will be compensated by his team’s faith and their history of winning three times in a row.

After last season, which was one of proving that they could win the first title, this year is the year of proving that they can defend it. To PSG, trust is their star player.