PSG Could Face A Wake Up Call Against Barcelona

On Tuesday, Paris St Germain will be tested for the second time, against Spanish juggernauts, Barcelona. Although it is only a group stage match in the Champions League, it does not take away from the fact that ultra emphasis will be put on the squad and more importantly, on fading presence Laurent Blanc. Blanc has been under major criticism in the press for his inability to lead a team of throbbing talent into better form, especially ahead of the Champions League.

In his defense since pre-season, Paris have suffered a number of injuries including those of the starting eleven. It has already been confirmed that tomorrow the Parisien side will be without their most enigmatic player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his delay on the healing of his heel injury, as well as Ezequiel Lavazzi who suffered a quick hamstring scare against Caen last Wednesday and finally Captain Thiago Silva is said to still be unfit for any game at that. As confirmed by French journalist Jonathan Johnson, Les Bleus will face a massive test–not just of dignity, but of flexibility.

New Barcelona defender, Jeremy Mathieu claims that “Paris Saint Germain are not the same without Zlatan Ibrahimovic” as reported by sportmole.co.uk. “When Ibra is out, the team is not the same without him”. And it is frustrating to admit that it is quite true, in more cases than some. Paris St Germain have proved their ultimate dependence on a leader, Zlatan, who may not wear the armband when Silva is on the pitch, but his presence shapes the attitude of the team.

What is even more exhausting to think is that their acclaimed Captain, Thiago Silva will still be unfit to compete–the bright side is youngster Marquinhos has been delightfully reliable in his absence. But the question remains how durable the young defender can be and how much he can claim responsibility in front of goal for the Spanish duo of Lionel Messi, the worlds greatest player and his young prospect Neymar Jr.

Credit: David Ramos / Stringer

Caption:BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 10: The opposing teams shake hands priot to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between Barcelona and Paris St Germain at Nou Camp on April 10, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Laurent Blanc made the right decision by resting a considerably large portion of his normal starting eleven against Toulouse on Saturday. But even with some of the important players rested, the problem lies in the vulnerability of Paris’ attack without Ibra. Against the like of Caen and Toulouse, Paris showed their ability to score goals from different angles and players–this is always a bonus for a team. It provides protection in situations to this. But the real problem is the reality of Ligue 1 being a much different competition to that of the Champions League. The prime figures in world football grace the stage in the Champions League and if goals will come from Jean Christophe Bahebeck , Marquinhos and Luca Moura, who generally don’t find these opportunities–then is it true security?

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To highlight the positives, Luca Moura had an exceptional stroke of brilliance against Caen last Wednesday, scoring a goal formulated from his individual attack on the Caen defense; yet his eagerness to score comes from a rookie state of mind–the kind that is more reckless in tasking risks in order to score, instead of developing a proper attack to achieve more goals which are accurate or on point.

Also Edinson Cavani has not taken advantage of his formation change, as playing centrally was his demand, El Matador hasnt shown his potential just yet–perhaps he will turn up on the grande stage.

There is no doubt that Paris have an enormous test ahead of them. They are a club that undoubtedly count on their star-striker and have the weight of locker room drama as well as a stale coach all to juggle while staying afloat tomorrow at the Parc Des Princes.

Barcelona come in as favourites having a clean sheet in La Liga and scoring a boat load of goals at that. Although Paris are unbeaten in Ligue 1, it is only because of the majority of their games being draws–this is not helpful to gathering points in the group stage. If Paris approach Barcelona with the same lack of power they have in Ligue 1 and Ajax, they could see themselves loosing grasp on their ultimate goal.