Rarely has Paris Saint-Germain experienced such chaotic preparation for a major meeting in the Champions League. With four defeats in all competitions in 2023, including two recent setbacks in Marseille (1-2) and Monaco (1-3), the Parisian team displays one of the worst faces seen in the last decade. The worrying dynamics of results, the weakness of the collective game and stars lacking inspiration are the main symptoms. However, should we shave everything and throw in the trash when the capital club still has a five-point lead over its runner-up in L1 and the round of 16 against Bayern Munich has not yet delivered its verdict? ?
As always with this club described as entertainment by some (and it's true that you never get bored), you also have to know how to take a step back. The problem is deeper than the current coach and team: the major concern is upstairs, with a management that has never been able to restore the stability of the Laurent Blanc era, where PSG were untouchable on the national scene.
Very discreet in the media lately, Nasser al-Khelaïfi must answer for his actions after wasting so much money. Necessary reminder: the capital club has the highest payroll in Europe with 728 million euros annually. It's a long time since the president of the club wanted to stop the "bling-bling"...
2 - When
If the elimination in the Coupe de France hurt the men of Christophe Galtier, they still have several deadlines to save their season. The Champions League is back on Tuesday with the reception of the Bavarian ogre, who, for his part, has not only sent positive signals since the resumption. But we're obviously not going to push bad faith to the limit: the situation in Bavaria remains much more favorable than the image sent back by Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. We know that the big-eared haircut remains the obsession of leaders. If the club of the capital has experienced immense disappointments in this competition, it has also been able to rise to the occasion. The opportunity is more than perfect to have a burst of pride and relaunch in a Parc des Princes which is just waiting for it.
If the athlete obviously focuses attention, what happens off the field unfortunately also unleashes passions. With PSG, the slightest epiphenomenon turns into a news item to which special attention should be paid.
Latest example, Neymar's evenings in his villa in Bougival, denounced by the mayor of the town, Luc Wattelle. Highlighted in the press, these fiestas are not a problem for everyone since part of the neighborhood has even defended the Parisian striker, who has the right to have his private life and to relax. This futile controversy a few days before a Champions League match necessarily calls out for its timing. In essence, the elected official reproached the player above all for never having come to see the young people of the local club. And that is another story...
