Internal crisis at PSG: altercation between Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola in training before the Champions League final – Luis Enrique cuts through the general shock

Just days before the highly anticipated Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain is facing an unexpected situation that could well disrupt the squad’s serenity. Two of the club’s young talents, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola , came to blows during the last training session, sending shockwaves through the Parisian dressing room and the sports media.

According to several witnesses present at the Camp des Loges training ground, the altercation between the two players erupted during a tactical drill involving the likely starters for the final. Desire Doue, a recent arrival in the first team, reportedly challenged a choice of play by Barcola, visibly irritated by the young attacking midfielder’s behavior.

The verbal exchange quickly escalated. Despite the intervention of members of the coaching staff and several teammates, the two players reportedly became physically involved, requiring rapid intervention to separate them. The exchanged words were reportedly particularly violent, reflecting a growing rivalry between the two players.

It’s no secret that Luis Enrique is still undecided on his attacking lineup for the Wembley final against Inter Milan. While Kylian Mbappé is guaranteed to start, the right winger spot remains highly contested.

Bradley Barcola, who had an excellent end to the season, appears to have a slight advantage in the pecking order. But Desire Doue, who arrived last January from Rennes, has impressed with his explosiveness and ability to create imbalances.

This seemingly healthy sporting rivalry has clearly crossed a dangerous line. The stakes of this historic final, coupled with the desire to shine individually, have created an unbearable climate of tension between the two young talents.

Faced with this explosive situation, coach Luis Enrique immediately called an emergency meeting in the locker room, attended by the team’s management. The Spanish coach, known for his authority and sense of discipline, did not mince his words.

According to our sources, he said:
“No player, no matter how talented, is above the collective. If you wear this jersey, you must respect your teammates and represent the club with honor.”

But the real surprise came from the strong sporting choice made by Enrique following this incident: neither player will start the final . Ousmane Dembélé is expected to ultimately occupy the right wing, despite his lackluster performances in recent weeks.

The coach’s decision quickly provoked a reaction within the squad. Some senior members of the team reportedly welcomed the coach’s firmness, believing that a clear message needed to be sent to preserve the unity of the squad. Others, more moderate, reportedly expressed concern about the psychological impact on the young players involved.

Kylian Mbappé , captain and leader of the dressing room, is said to have played a calming role, speaking out to remind everyone of the importance of the moment and the need to stay united:
“These kinds of things can happen when the pressure is immense. But what matters is to stay united. We’re playing a final, we have to win it together.”

While this altercation is shocking in its intensity, it highlights an often-overlooked reality: the fierce competition between talented young players at a club where every position is doubled or even tripled. Media pressure, fan expectations, and the proximity of a major event like the Champions League final can create an explosive atmosphere.

Desire Doue, at 19, and Barcola, at 21, are at a turning point in their careers. Both dream of establishing themselves as regulars at a club of PSG’s stature. This incident could mark a sudden halt, or, conversely, serve as a lesson in growth.

It’s still too early to know the long-term repercussions. But according to several sports journalists, it’s not out of the question that PSG management is considering disciplinary action or even a loan for one of the two players during the next transfer window, in order to ease tensions.

The club, for its part, has not yet officially communicated on the matter, but a statement is expected after the final, whatever the outcome.

Just hours before the most important match of their season, PSG could have done without such a scandal. The altercation between Doue and Barcola is a reminder of how fragile the balance of a squad can be, even at the highest level. For Luis Enrique, the hardest part remains: remobilizing his squad and channeling all their energies toward a single goal— bringing the club’s first Champions League title back to Paris .