'Affecting the balance of the team': Craig Foster reveals how PSG improved without global superstar Kylian Mbappe

Craig Foster has tipped Paris Saint Germain to continue its dream season by booking a date in the Champions League final, with the former Socceroos captain amazed by the team's transformation since the exit of superstar striker Kylian Mbappe.

Foster argued that without Mbappe on the team, PSG and Luis Enrique have been able to build a more balanced squad with each player able to thrive in their role.

"I mean, the fact that they actually improved, yeah that's a credit to the coach Luis Enrique," Foster told Wide World of Sports.

Watch every match of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, streaming ad free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

"Most coaches in the world would have struggled losing one of the great players. But what's become clear is that he [Mbappe] was affecting the balance of the team because of his unwillingness to do the hard work.

"Look at Liverpool, they won the title in part because Arne Slot released Mo Salah from some of his defensive responsibilities. I mean, even this morning, Salah thanked him.

"You can't have too many players doing that [relieved of duties on field] and PSG have always had too many players doing that.

"I mean, they used to have Neymar, [Lionel] Messi, and Mbappe."

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PSG have had close to a perfect season, averaging higher possession rates, taking more shots and conceding fewer, as their new tactical blueprint has taken Europe by storm.

They sit at the top of the table in the Ligue 1, 20 points clear of their nearest competitor Marseille, and have booked their spot in the Champions League semi-finals.

"What he's (Enrique) done now is, he's got a front three which are unbelievable in attack. They work extremely hard. They're young, they've got amazing talent," Foster said.

"[Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia, they call him the Georgian Messi. [Bradley] Barcola, young French player, and [Ousmane] Dembele, who's the ex-bass player (a reference to playing second fiddle to Mbappe) who Enrique has revitalised his unbelievable talent, but he's never been able to realise it.

"This season he's realised it and so now they're far stronger in attack, and comfortably playing the best football.

"Barca are the best in attack, they're blistering in attack, but PSG can control a game like no one else."

Foster argued that being able to strategise and utilise players at their strongest has created a well-rounded outfit and that PSG has been better off without their superstar.

Champions League semi final schedule

Leg 1
5am Wednesday April 30 (AEST) | Arsenal v PSG, Emirates Stadium
5am Thursday May 1 (AEST) | Barcelona v Inter, Barcelona Olympic Stadium

Leg 2
5am Wednesday May 7 | Inter v Barcelona, San Siro
5am Thursday May 8 | PSG v Arsenal, Parc des Princes (Princes Park)

Stan Sport has comprehensive pre-match coverage from 4.35am AEST each matchday.

Has Arsenal ever reached the UCL final?

Despite having Thierry Henry running around once upon a time, the Gunners have never won the Champions League.

Arsenal did reach the final in the 2005/06 season. Despite hitting the lead in the first half, Barcelona went on to win 2-1.

Why is Liverpool not in the Champions League?

They might be Premier League champions, but Liverpool won't be claiming a double.

Arne Slot's side lost in the round of 16 clash against PSG.

They won the first leg 1-0 but PSG scored one goal in regular time in the second leg. The penalties finished 4-1 in favour of PSG.

What is the prize money for winning the Champions League?

The winner of the Champions League will earn just under AUD $44 million. Runner-up takes home $32.5m and the semi finalists finish with $26.4m

Where can I watch the Champions League semi-finals in Australia?

Stan Sport is the only place you can watch every match of the UEFA Champions League in Australia.