Following their decisive 5-0 victory against Inter Milan in Saturday night’s Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain has finally provided an explanation for their peculiar kickoff protocol. Their trip to Munich’s Allianz Arena was easily handled by Luis Enrique’s team, and Desire Doue’s outstanding performance served as the foundation for an unforgettable, record-breaking evening.
The record for the biggest margin of victory in a Champions League final is currently held by Les Parisiens. In addition to Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and 18-year-old Senny Mayulu, Doue scored twice and provided one assist. However, neutral observers saw a slight variation in PSG’s kickoff procedure.
The French champions shocked everyone by throwing the ball out of play close to Inter Milan’s corner flag as soon as the match’s opening whistle blew. Teams usually utilize the first possession to get settled in and take control of the game, but PSG had a different idea (see below). However, it turns out that their unconventional strategy was deliberate.
PSG’s Unusual Kick-Off Routine Explained
It’s a tactical nuance aimed at making full use of their press
PSG’s strange kick-off technique has now been explained by Football TacticDive on YouTube, and it appears that they have been doing it throughout the Champions League.
Enrique’s young team wants to initiate their pressing system by giving the ball back to the opposition deep within their own third, much like a rugby drop-kick. As explained in the video below:
It is an extremely well-planned trap. There is a secret problem with throw-ins. You can’t move the ball as fast or far as you can with a standard pass. The tempo slows down, there are few players taking them, the angles are constrained, and it’s challenging to construct anything significant.
And PSG is relying on that above everything else. PSG creates the ideal situation for their high-press by making the opposition restart with a throw-in deep in their own half.
The video also shows an instance from the semi-final matchup with Arsenal, where seven PSG players pinned the Gunners deep in their own half by pressing forward forcefully immediately after kickoff. This season, Luis Enrique has used this technique as a tactical weapon that instantly throws the opposition’s defensive form into chaos.
Of course, there is more than one secret behind PSG’s success. The French powerhouses’ historic first Champions League championship can be attributed to a number of other tactical subtleties in their setup. Pundits have lauded the team’s daring, adventurous style of play throughout the season, which is very different from that of previous PSG teams, who were frequently criticized for being gifted but conceited. The combination of creativity and modesty in this year’s edition has paid off handsomely.
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