Vitinha reflects on shift from star-studded PSG to the new era under Luis Enrique

For many, Vitinha is PSG’s new star, and he’s explained the difference between the Paris of past seasons with Mbappe, Neymar, or Messi, and the current team under Luis Enrique.

Vitinha was a guest on Rothen s’enflamme on Tuesday evening, and the Portuguese PSG midfielder confirmed that training sessions have become much more intense since the arrival of Luis Enrique and the departure of experienced stars.

Paris' best player of last season, Vitinha was awarded 27th place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, the Portuguese PSG midfielder shared his thoughts at length with former Parisian Jerome Rothen on RMC Sport.

Having arrived in the summer of 2022, along with Christophe Galtier, Vitinha had a challenging first season at PSG alongside stars Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe.

Vitinha reflects on shift from star-studded PSG to the new era under Luis Enrique

In fact, the first two were not always easy on him during their only season together. Has their departure in the summer of 2023 given him more freedom? Is he now enjoying himself more in this younger, more collective PSG under Luis Enrique?

“Yes, it’s incomparable,” replied Vitinha without hesitation.

“It’s different when you have a collective, a younger team, where everyone is full of energy, keen to do things. When you see an older team, it’s not that they’re not motivated, but the approach is different.

When you’re more experienced, you’re perhaps more about managing things, even in training. When you play, the dynamics aren’t the same. And I’m not saying it’s better or worse, just that it’s different. It’s certainly different.”

Vitinha also acknowledged very openly that since Galtier was replaced by Luis Enrique, and with the departure of many stars, PSG’s training sessions have completely changed.

“Yes, I experienced that period too (with the stars). I think that now the training sessions are more intense, just as they should be. We’re also improving in this area. We’re serious in training, doing everything to reach the match in the best possible shape.”

How many goals has Vitinha scored with PSG?

Despite not having the obligation to shine in the attacking area, Vitinha has proven to be a dangerous player with long-range shots, in addition to being a natural penalty taker.

So far, the Portuguese midfielder has scored 12 goals in the Rouge & Bleu shirt. While he has only netted one penalty this season (2024/25), more goals are expected given his capabilities.

* All data was sourced from Transfermarkt

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