PSG's European Crown in the Crosshairs: Enrique Rolls the Dice with Squad Rotation

Rotation strategy under pressure

Paris Saint-Germain's coach Luis Enrique unveiled a new plan to ready the team for the 2025-26 campaign, acknowledging a packed schedule and the need to manage fatigue as the season unfolds.

PSG's latest result—a 3-3 draw at home to Strasbourg—highlighted the tight fight at the top of Ligue 1. Paris sits on top with 17 points, Strasbourg with 16, and Olympique de Marseille and Lyon close behind on 15.

In the last five league matches, PSG have two wins, two draws, and one defeat, a run that keeps title rivals breathing down their necks and demands careful rotation to stay sharp for Europe.

Balancing results and European dreams

Enrique explained the rotation approach during an appearance on Le Liga One Plus, saying that with the heavy calendar, the priority was to rotate the starting XI in the final match before the international break and in the first game after, since several players feature for national teams and log long minutes.

Of course, the objective remains to win every game, but the longer view is essential to reach the season's ultimate target. To manage workload, several PSG stars were rested for the Strasbourg game, including Hakimi, Mendes, Vitinha, and a few others, while injuries to Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembélé, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves contributed to the squad selection.

On the draw, Enrique said it was a tough and balanced match against a top opponent and that PSG earned a positive result after fighting until the end.

He also noted the importance of field presence and communication with players, explaining that he would sometimes stay in the stands and other times be among the players to guide them as needed. He also explained the penalty choice for a second goal, stressing that penalty duties are assigned based on form and readiness, with several players capable of scoring from the spot and his faith in all squad members.

PSG's Ligue 1 results are: five wins, one loss to Marseille, and a draw in the last two rounds with Lille and Strasbourg. The campaign began with wins over Nantes and Angers (1-0), followed by a 6-3 victory over Toulouse, a 2-0 win against Lens, another 2-0 win over Auxerre, and a 1-1 draw with Lille just before the international break.

PSG's record against Strasbourg stands at a long history: 77 meetings, with PSG winning 42, Strasbourg 14, and 21 draws. PSG have hammered Strasbourg 125 goals to 73 in those meetings, according to Transfermarkt. A European test awaits as PSG travel to Bayer Leverkusen for the Champions League, continuing a continental run after wins over Atalanta (4-0) and Barcelona (2-1) in the opening two group games.

Enrique and the players aim to keep the momentum going in Europe while maintaining domestic success, a balance that requires both sharpness and leadership on and off the pitch.

Regarding the difference between watching from the stands and playing on the field, Enrique said the perspective changes what you see of the team's problems and what can be improved. He added that he would stay involved from the dugout and occasionally move among options to offer guidance. On penalty duties, he noted that while Ramos is a designated taker, several players can step up, and the choice depends on current form and mood; trust remains high in the entire squad.

As for the wider context, the article notes that PSG's European campaign is an ongoing test, and the club is focused on extending their continental run.

PSG's season continues to test depth and decision-making as Enrique balances domestic title hopes with a hungry European quest. The bench, and the players ready to rise, is PSG's secret weapon in a campaign that promises drama, goals, and maybe another trophy cabinet upgrade.

Sniper joke 1: If rotation were an art, Enrique has turned PSG’s bench into a moving gallery—every sub a new masterpiece, and the ball still finds the net.

Sniper joke 2: Paris’ schedule is so packed that even the calendar needs a nap; luckily, the rotation plan is there to wake it up with trophies.