Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager Luis Enrique has unveiled a formidable 21-man squad ahead of their UEFA Super Cup showdown against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for Wednesday night in Udine, Italy.
The match, set to kick off at 21:00 CET at the Stadio Friuli, presents an opportunity for PSG to bounce back from their recent disappointment in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they suffered a 3–0 defeat to Chelsea in the final just a few weeks ago. The Parisians will be eager to make a statement against Spurs and add another piece of European silverware to their cabinet.
Enrique’s Selection Strategy
In a squad list published via the club’s official website, Enrique has opted to blend experience with youthful energy, naming several star players alongside emerging talents.
The headline inclusions are summer signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the dynamic Georgian winger brought in to bolster PSG’s attacking options; club captain Marquinhos, who will marshal the defence; and rising talent Ibrahim Mbaye, who has impressed with his performances for the youth side and in preseason fixtures.
Also making the cut is Morocco international Achraf Hakimi, whose pace and attacking prowess from right-back remain a key weapon in PSG’s tactical arsenal. French midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery, hailed as one of Europe’s most promising teenagers, has also been named, further underlining the club’s commitment to developing its next generation of stars.
A Test of Character After Club World Cup Setback
PSG head into the Super Cup still stung by their defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final. That loss not only denied them a major international title but also exposed areas Enrique will be keen to address—particularly in midfield control and defensive organisation against high-intensity opposition.
Facing Tottenham offers both a challenge and a chance for redemption. Spurs, known for their fast-paced and aggressive pressing game under their current managerial setup, will look to test PSG’s defensive resilience and transition play.
Key Players to Watch
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is arguably the most intriguing name in the squad list. The 23-year-old winger, acquired after his standout performances for Napoli in Serie A, is expected to bring creativity and unpredictability to PSG’s forward line. His dribbling skills and eye for goal could prove decisive against Tottenham’s defensive structure.
Marquinhos, as captain, will carry the responsibility of organising the backline and ensuring composure in high-pressure situations. His leadership will be vital, particularly with Tottenham boasting an attacking force capable of capitalising on any defensive lapses.
Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Vitinha and Spanish playmaker Fabián Ruiz are expected to control the tempo in midfield, linking up with attacking talents such as Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos.
Full PSG Squad for the UEFA Super Cup vs Tottenham
- Achraf Hakimi – Right-back, Morocco
- Lucas Beraldo – Centre-back, Brazil
- Marquinhos – Centre-back, Brazil
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Winger, Georgia
- Fabián Ruiz – Midfielder, Spain
- Gonçalo Ramos – Striker, Portugal
- Ousmane Dembélé – Winger, France
- Désiré Doué – Midfielder, France
- Vitinha – Midfielder, Portugal
- Lee Kang-In – Midfielder, South Korea
- Lucas Hernandez – Defender, France
- Nuno Mendes – Left-back, Portugal
- Bradley Barcola – Winger, France
- Lucas Chevalier – Goalkeeper, France
- Warren Zaïre-Emery – Midfielder, France
- Matvey Safonov – Goalkeeper, Russia
- Noham Kamara – Midfielder, France
- Ibrahim Mbaye – Defender, France
- Willian Pacho – Defender, Ecuador
- Renato Marin – Midfielder, France
(Note: Squad numbering reflects PSG’s official release.)
Tactical Expectations
Enrique is expected to deploy his usual possession-based, high-pressing style, with emphasis on fluid positional play in attack. Against a Tottenham side likely to press aggressively and look to exploit spaces on the counter, the Spaniard may seek to maintain compactness while ensuring quick ball circulation to break Spurs’ lines.
Defensively, PSG will need to stay alert against Tottenham’s wingers and overlapping full-backs. The presence of both Hakimi and Mendes could be crucial in neutralising wide threats while offering attacking width.
The Significance of the UEFA Super Cup
While some may view the UEFA Super Cup as a curtain-raiser for the European season, for PSG, this year’s edition carries added importance. It is not only an opportunity to secure silverware early in the campaign but also a chance to rebuild confidence after the disappointment of their last international outing.
Winning against Tottenham would send a clear message to their European rivals that PSG remain a force to be reckoned with. It would also provide Enrique with valuable insights into the readiness of his squad for the gruelling season ahead.
Fan Anticipation and Atmosphere
PSG supporters are expected to travel in significant numbers to Udine, creating a lively atmosphere at the Stadio Friuli. The Super Cup fixture is traditionally a celebration of European football, pitting the winners of the UEFA Champions League against the UEFA Europa League champions—or, in certain formats, the winners of other major continental competitions.
This year’s clash between PSG and Tottenham adds an extra layer of intrigue, given the two clubs’ differing football philosophies and star-studded rosters.
Kick-Off and Broadcast Details
The match will kick off at 21:00 CET (19:00 GMT) and will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, ensuring fans around the world can witness the action.
For PSG, the mission is clear: put the Chelsea defeat firmly behind them, showcase their quality on the big stage, and lift a trophy that could set the tone for the rest of their season.
As the players prepare in Udine, all eyes will be on how Luis Enrique’s men respond when they step onto the pitch against Tottenham in what promises to be an entertaining European contest.
