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2024-11-27 09:34:00
The capital club, beaten on Tuesday 26 November by Bayern Munich, has only four points after five matches in the top European club football competition. Coach Luis Enrique is under pressure.
“Attack!” Whatever we think of the character, we can’t blame Parisian manager Luis Enrique for the lack of inspiration in his media expression. A few minutes after the defeat on Tuesday 26 November (0-1) against Bayern in Munich, the third in five days of the new Champions League format, the former Spanish coach really hit where it hurts. With three goals scored since the start of the competition, Paris-SG leaves behind only four teams out of 36 in the goals scored table. And three of them (Shakhtior Donetsk, Bologna and Sturm Graz) still had a match to play on Wednesday 27 November evening.
However, it’s better to joke about it. Twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh with three days to go in a competition that casts a very wide net (the top 24 qualify), the capital club is in tension. And the feedback from the locker room on Tuesday reflected a secret concern. “Physically, [les joueurs du Bayern] they were more ready than us, claimed captain Marquinhos. In the first half it was a balanced game and we took some risks.” A way to forget the fact that the Parisians were trampled in the brawl. And that the tactical thread is thin, the team exposes itself more than reason to compensate for its offensive impotence. Also a sign that Luis Enrique is rolling the dice.
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“After the match we said to each other that we all had to stay together, midfielder João Neves testified to this, used in a somewhat baroque position as an attacking midfielder. I think about the red card [reçu par Ousmane Dembélé à la 56e] it penalized us a lot in the match. We did what we could. Nobody points the finger at anyone. We will fight together.” Even the calls for unity, usual in the context, should not be overlooked. In a crisis situation, players have a natural tendency to look at what their neighbor didn’t do well. The results do not validate Luis Enrique’s work, the latter’s aura could also weaken, especially because he invented another problem: that of the goalkeeper.
Already unavailable against Toulouse (3-0) in the league on Friday 22 November, Gianluigi Donnarumma remained on the bench in Monaco, replaced by the Russian Matvey Safonov. Who is to blame for the German goal, a corner badly rejected by the Parisian goalkeeper then catapulted with a header into the back of the net by the Korean Kim Min-Jae. In the panorama of a Parisian team whose strengths are difficult to define, Donnarumma is a sure bet, 70 appearances of which 25 in the Italian national team, a European champion title in 2021 at the end of a competition where he was voted best player from UEFA.
And Luis Enrique ran the risk of destabilizing him, to the advantage of Safonov, who Paris-SG brought this summer from the modest Krasnodar club. And which, for the moment, has not made anyone raise the curtain, even in the sectors identified as weak points for the Italian (football, aerial exits when the ball travels from right to left). Between now and the Salzburg match in two weeks, against a team that gives the impression of dying in this Champions League (0-4 against Brest, 0-5 on Tuesday in Leverkusen), the pressure will increase very strongly. And the general impression of modesty (provided we don’t fall into the trap of Luis Enrique’s outbursts in the press conference), this shyness that we feel in the heart of the team when playing on the European front, is not the most reassuring.
How can PSG address their tactical issues to improve their performance in upcoming matches?
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon! Today, we’re diving into the current predicament of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League after their recent defeat to Bayern Munich. Joining me is football expert and analyst, Dr. Elena Marquez. Welcome, Dr. Marquez!
Dr. Elena Marquez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s jump right in. PSG’s loss to Bayern Munich raised some serious eyebrows. After five matches, they only have four points. How do you interpret this situation?
Dr. Marquez: It’s concerning, to say the least. With only three goals scored and sitting at the bottom of the scoring charts, PSG appears to be struggling with both offensive strategy and execution. Historically, they’ve been a powerhouse in Europe, and this stark contrast is quite alarming for the fans and management alike.
Interviewer: Indeed, and the pressure is mounting on coach Luis Enrique. Following the game, he indicated that the team needs more inspiration but also took a step back to acknowledge the challenges they faced against Bayern. What does this say about Enrique’s approach?
Dr. Marquez: Luis Enrique is known for his tactical acumen, but his recent comments suggest he is feeling the pressure. His acknowledgment that Bayern appeared physically more prepared points to possible deficiencies in fitness and preparation within his squad. It’s a candid admission that reflects both his frustration and an urgency to turn things around quickly.
Interviewer: The players echoed his sentiments, especially with Captain Marquinhos stating they took unnecessary risks. Do you think this is a reflection of the systemic issues within the team or merely a product of a few bad games?
Dr. Marquez: I’d say it’s more systemic. While individual games can certainly go awry, the trends we’re seeing indicate deeper issues, especially in attacking coherence and the overall tactical plan. Risk-taking may stem from a lack of faith in a solid strategy. When players feel that they need to compensate for a struggling offense, it can lead to more mistakes and vulnerabilities at the back.
Interviewer: You mentioned the offensive impotence. With João Neves trying to adapt to a new and challenging role, do you think the formation and player deployment could be contributing to the team’s struggles?
Dr. Marquez: Absolutely. In a situation like this, improvisation can lead to confusion. Neves playing as an attacking midfielder is indicative of the tactical shuffle that signifies a search for solutions. While versatility can sometimes yield positive results, it often requires time and collective understanding that may not be present in their current strategy. Cohesion is key, especially in high-stakes matches.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to see how the dynamics evolve during a crisis. With Dembélé’s red card playing a significant role in the match’s outcome, do you think the team can rebound and find their footing for the remaining matches in the group?
Dr. Marquez: They certainly can, but it won’t be easy. Dembélé’s absence and the general atmosphere of uncertainty need to be addressed. The calls for unity from players like João Neves are essential; they need to rally together, not just to overcome immediate challenges but also to rebuild confidence. If they manage to find consistency in performance and strategy, they could still turn things around in a competitive group.
Interviewer: So, you’re suggesting that despite this rocky start, there’s still hope for PSG to advance?
Dr. Marquez: Hope is not lost, especially in a format where the top 24 qualify. But they need to recalibrate mentally and tactically if they wish to capitalize on the remaining opportunities. It’ll be a true test of their character and resilience.
Interviewer: Dr. Marquez, thank you for your insights on this year’s Champions League journey for PSG. It’s certainly going to be an intriguing few weeks as we watch how this unfolds.
Dr. Marquez: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a thrilling conclusion to this chapter in PSG’s season.
