Luis Enrique Admits PSG Lack a Reliable Penalty Taker
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has conceded his side do not currently possess a specialist penalty taker after another miss in the 3-1 win over Strasbourg.
Ousmane Dembele failed from the spot after entering as a substitute, extending a run of costly-looking misses which has so far not damaged PSG’s results. The French champions have won each of the three matches in which they have missed penalties, but the issue is growing before a major Champions League meeting with Barcelona.
Enrique admits PSG lack a designated expert
Enrique said the numbers were not straightforward to assess, pointing to PSG’s successful takers in previous finals. But he accepted that, despite having several capable players, his squad is short of one recognised penalty expert.
The Spaniard named Vitinha and Dembele among the players available to step up, insisting PSG still have choices when a penalty is awarded.
Dembele’s attempt followed Ferran Torres’ miss in PSG’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Manchester City only days earlier. Desire Doue had also failed to convert during a 3-1 win against Le Mans, although Lucas Beraldo scored another penalty in that game.
Ramos departure leaves PSG short
PSG showed their composure in the Champions League final shootout against Arsenal. Goncalo Ramos, Doue, Achraf Hakimi and Beraldo all scored, while Nuno Mendes was the only player to miss.
Ramos has since left for AC Milan, removing a dependable option from Enrique’s group. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has also endured a recent setback, missing for Georgia against Northern Ireland in the Nations League.
What happens next: PSG face Barcelona in the Champions League, where Enrique’s selection of a penalty taker could become a decisive issue. Their recent misses have not yet altered a result, but a wasted spot-kick in a knockout-level European contest could carry a far heavier consequence.
