At 24, Willian Pacho has established himself as one of the key figures in Paris Saint-Germain’s central defence. The Ecuador international credits much of his rapid rise to his coach, Luis Enrique. Speaking to The Players’ Tribune, the PSG defender reflected on the decisive impact the Spanish manager has had on his development at the highest level.
Pacho is particularly impressed by Luis Enrique’s methods and his ability to put the person before the player. Beyond tactics, it is the PSG coach’s psychological approach that has made the biggest impression on him. “For me, he is the key to everything PSG has achieved. And I say that as a man, not just as a footballer. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, you feel that he understands you as a person,” Pacho explained.
Luis Enrique helped Pacho play without pressure
When he arrived in Paris with expectations already surrounding him, Pacho was quickly reassured by his coach. Luis Enrique encouraged him to take the time he needed to adapt and develop without feeling that he had to prove himself immediately. “When I arrived, he told me: ‘Go at your own pace. Don’t think you have to prove anything just because we signed you. You still have time to develop.’ By giving me time, he freed me from all the pressure,” the defender recalled.
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That confidence proved decisive for the Ecuadorian. “And because he gave me that time, I exploded,” Pacho added. Luis Enrique’s personalised and human approach ultimately became a major factor in the defender’s progress, with Pacho now firmly established as one of the most reliable members of the Parisian squad.
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