FROM COLLECTING STARS TO CREATING THEM

PSG look more cohesive with lesser-known names than when they had Mbappe & Co

- 

As Paris Saint-Germain begin their latest quest to win their elusive first Champions League trophy, captain Marquinhos said they "are increasingly focused on a collective style of football".

Since they were taken over in 2011 by Qatar Sports Investments, the capital club have dominated French football but fallen short of their ultimate aim of European glory.

This despite PSG spending lavishly their signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe remain the two most expensive transfers in football history. They also lured Lionel Messi to the French capital at considerable financial cost, but continental success did not follow.

The closest they came was when they lost to Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final.

This season, however, is PSG's first campaign without any of their three superstars, after Mbappe's departure for Real Madrid. But that has allowed coach Luis Enrique to forge a less individualistic outfit.