Luis Enrique (foto: Getty Images)
Luis Enrique substituted Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with PSG 2-0 down against Rennes. His replacements inspired the comeback before the Spaniard warned his stars against complacency.
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Luis Enrique has wasted little time reminding his Paris Saint-Germain stars that reputations will not guarantee anyone a place in his team this season.
The message arrived during PSG's opening league match against Rennes, when the defending French champions found themselves 2-0 down at half-time.
Enrique responded with a decision few coaches would make so early in a season. He removed two of his biggest attacking names, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, at the interval.
It was a major statement from the PSG coach, especially considering Dembélé's status as the current Ballon d'Or winner.
Enrique had seen enough after 45 minutes
PSG struggled throughout the opening half, while their normally dangerous attack failed to produce the response Enrique expected.
Dembélé had opportunities but failed to make them count, while Kvaratskhelia struggled to create danger with his usual runs and one-on-one play.
Enrique refused to wait for things to improve.
Both stars stayed in the dressing room at half-time, with Mika Godts and Torres introduced in their place.
The difference was immediate.
PSG increased their intensity, pressed Rennes higher up the pitch and began controlling possession in more dangerous areas.
Torres becomes the hero on his debut
Of all Enrique's changes, Torres made the biggest impact.
The newcomer scored twice on his PSG debut, helping the French champions recover from a two-goal deficit and rescue a 2-2 draw.
What had looked like a potentially disastrous start to the league campaign instead became another demonstration of PSG's depth.
For Enrique, though, the comeback did not erase what he had seen during the opening 45 minutes.
After the match, the Spaniard delivered a warning to a squad that has become accustomed to winning.
"That's football. We haven't won anything yet. If you think you've already won, then you won't win anything," Enrique said.
'We have no credit'
PSG enter the new campaign after winning the Champions League in each of the previous two seasons, putting them in position to chase a historic third consecutive European crown.
Enrique does not want those achievements to create complacency inside his dressing room.
"We have no credit. Every day, in every training session and in every match, you have to show that you are ready. You can become complacent too quickly."
His team selection against Rennes offered an immediate example of what those words mean in practice.
If Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia are not delivering what Enrique demands, they will be substituted. Their status inside the squad changes nothing.
No untouchable players at PSG
Enrique has consistently demanded intensity and discipline from his players, regardless of their reputation.
Against Rennes, he demonstrated those principles in perhaps the clearest way possible.
Taking off the reigning Ballon d'Or winner at half-time in the opening league match sends a message far beyond one player.
"We always want to win. If you want to win, you have to leave your comfort zone. That must be clear," Enrique added.
PSG escaped with a point after being two goals down, but Enrique appears to have gained something else from the evening.
His players now know exactly where they stand. Two consecutive Champions League titles offer no protection, and even PSG's biggest stars will have to earn their place again.