Luis Enrique made a key decision several months ago that is now weighing heavily on Paris Saint-Germain, both in the French league and in the Champions League.
The 2–1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the penultimate round of the league phase has revived serious doubts about the Parisian project and has significantly complicated direct qualification for the round of 16. This result forces PSG to put everything on the line in the final match against Newcastle, in an atmosphere of maximum pressure.
The performance against Sporting revealed a lack of stability, a loss of control at decisive moments, and mistakes that were punished dearly.
Moreover, the team no longer depends solely on itself to finish among the top eight, which has once again sparked intense debate both inside and outside the club.
At the center of the criticism is goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, signed last summer for €40 million. His performances have raised questions about a lack of authority and uncertainty in high-level matches.
Although he is considered an investment for the future, the Champions League is proving to be an extremely demanding stage for a goalkeeper still in the consolidation phase, where every mistake is magnified.
The debate becomes even sharper when recalling the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was excluded from the project and later joined Manchester City.
Luis Enrique’s decision to entrust the goal to Chevalier instead of relying on a goalkeeper proven at the highest level is widely seen as a strategic mistake.
The decisive clash with Newcastle will not only determine PSG’s European fate, but also shape the discussion around squad management and the choices made by the Spanish coach.
