Luis Enrique's one remark changed everything. Lee Kang-in (24, PSG), who had been wavering on the bench, is making Paris's heart beat again.
French outlet 'Foot01' reported on the 10th (Korea time) that Luis Enrique said he knew Lee Kang-in's talent and succeeded in motivating him by pricking his pride.
Lee Kang-in is no longer 'a symbol of Asia marketing'. He has returned as PSG's 'decisive contributor' under Enrique's trust.
In the summer of 2023, Lee Kang-in put on the Paris Saint-Germain uniform for a transfer fee of 22 million euros (about 37 billion won). It was after Neymar and Messi had left, and some cynically called it a symbolic signing aimed at the Asian market. But the club's internal assessment was different. PSG judged him not as mere marketing assets but as an "investment-type resource with high growth potential."
The problem was adaptation. In the early days of life in Paris, Lee Kang-in ran into every wall: language, culture and competition. His playing time decreased, and the media poured criticism saying Lee Kang-in had not adapted to Ligue 1's rhythm. Eventually he considered a transfer last summer. But PSG's set transfer fee of 50 million euros (about 84.2 billion won) was a barrier. It was then that Enrique moved personally.
Foot01 reported that Enrique told Lee Kang-in, "I know you are suffering because you are not playing. But waking up is up to you."
That one remark changed everything. Lee Kang-in raised the intensity of his training on his own, and the change showed from the start of the season. He regained his presence by appearing in major competitions such as the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. In the August match against Tottenham he scored the team's 2-2 equalizer himself, a sign of turnaround.
And now, he has fully evolved into a player who creates 'decisive moments.' In Ligue 1's 11th round against Nice he produced the corner kick that led to Gonçalo Ramos's winning goal; against Munich he delivered a precise cross that helped João Neves's chasing goal; and on the 10th in the 50th minute of the second half at Lyon — another assist that completed Neves's winning goal. Three consecutive matches with attacking points, all of which changed the flow of the games.
French daily Le Parisien evaluated that Lee Kang-in lost out in last season's starting lineup competition but regained confidence under Enrique's trust. He has matured mentally, and now PSG recognizes him again as an essential player.
Enrique's philosophy was simple. Known as an 'emotional coach,' he always touches players' hearts first. He did the same with Lee Kang-in. He stimulated pride rather than tactics, and that challenge succeeded.
Lee Kang-in has three goals and five assists in 15 official matches this season, including 10 Ligue 1 games. In the recent three consecutive matches he directly contributed to the team's goals, becoming the lubricant of PSG's attack.
With the appearance against Lyon he surpassed 100 appearances for PSG. He said it was a special moment and that he was happy to be able to help the team. He added that he is working every day to become a better player.
The word 'potential' is no longer needed. What Enrique touched was not simple competitiveness but Lee Kang-in's deep inner 'pride.' And Lee Kang-in is responding perfectly to that stimulus. His toes are changing Paris's rhythm again. From a bench member to a core. At the center of that change is always the name 'Lee Kang-in'.
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