Under the direction of Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain took an unusual yet carefully calculated approach to prepare for their final two crucial matches of the season: the French Cup final against Reims and, above all, the long-awaited UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan in Munich.
In a move not often seen before such high-stakes matches, the Spanish coach gave his players a few days off to disconnect from the intense pace of the 2024/2025 season.
PSG’s stars used this break to recharge in various locations—ranging from the luxury beaches of Qatar to the exotic Egyptian desert, the relaxation of Barcelona, or simply enjoying Paris as if they were tourists.
Luis Enrique’s decision was based on the need for his players to refresh mentally and physically after more than 55 matches played so far this season. That’s why the squad won’t return to training until Monday, May 19, shifting focus first to the French Cup final against Reims, which will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the big showdown with Inter.
Key players like Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Ruiz, and Dembélé weren’t even included in the squad for last Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Montpellier. That game gave the coaching staff a chance to give minutes to several young talents—fielding the youngest starting XI in Ligue 1 history, with an average age of 21 years and 251 days.
Inter can’t afford to rest
Inter, on the other hand, remains locked in a fierce battle for the Serie A title against Napoli, from whom they are separated by just one point with two matchdays to go. That means Simone Inzaghi’s side can’t take their foot off the gas in domestic competition to focus solely on the Champions League final on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The Nerazzurri still have to face Lazio at San Siro’s Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on Sunday, May 18, before wrapping up the league away at Como 1907 on Sunday, May 25. Meanwhile, they’ll be hoping Napoli slip up—either against Parma or Cagliari.
