At Paris Saint-Germain, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has learned that reputation buys little once the training sessions begin. The Georgian winger says Luis Enrique has created a squad in which every player must live with the possibility of losing his place.
Kvaratskhelia credits Luis Enrique for PSG’s relentless selection battle
The 25-year-old said he arrived in Paris as a different footballer from the one who played for Napoli, impressed by both the commitment of his new team-mates and the respect he received inside the squad.
But the central lesson came from Luis Enrique. Kvaratskhelia said the Spanish coach has made it clear that PSG have no untouchable starters, with competition for places forcing every player to remain at peak level.
“I was not the same kind of player at Napoli,” Kvaratskhelia said. “When I came here, I saw how much the team gave and respected me. With Luis Enrique, I understood that I had to be at my best because every player can start. One mistake can put you on the bench.”
Quick facts
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is 25 years old.
- He recorded 10 goals and seven assists in PSG’s latest Champions League campaign.
- He was named the competition’s best player as PSG won the European title.
- PSG lifted the Champions League for a second successive season.
- Toni Kroos and Michel Platini have backed Kvaratskhelia for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Kvaratskhelia’s Champions League return has pushed his name into the Ballon d’Or conversation. His 10 goals and seven assists played a major part in PSG’s route to the title, with the French club retaining Europe’s biggest trophy.
Former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, a World Cup winner in 2014 and six-time Champions League winner, has publicly argued that Kvaratskhelia deserves the 2026 prize. Platini, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1983, 1984 and 1985, has made the same case.
The PSG forward said such backing from figures of that stature was already meaningful, regardless of the eventual result. “It is a joy when legends of the game say I deserve it,” he said. “Even if only one person on the planet thought I was worthy of such a prestigious trophy, that would make me happy. I am truly proud. It shows I am doing my job well, and I only want to keep improving at this level.”
SEO title: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reveals Luis Enrique’s PSG selection rule
SEO description: PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia says Luis Enrique’s fierce competition for places has raised his level, as Toni Kroos and Michel Platini back him for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
