With a daunting home and away with Barcelona on the horizon, and a dogfight for Ligue 1 supremacy, the pressure is beginning to pile on Paris Saint-Germain.
Paris Saint-Germain has more talent than any club in France. They have dominated Ligue 1 and been a threat on the European stage over the last few years. Yet in this year of change, the French powerhouse is struggling to find their way.
Currently PSG sit third in the Ligue 1 table four points off from the top as we approach the season midpoint. This alone would normally not constitute a crisis, but for the capital club, things may be beginning to unravel.
The defending Ligue 1 champions saw a great deal of change to their squad and staff over the summer. The squad saw key members Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Luiz move on along with other supporting cast. Coach Laurent Blanc was replaced by Sevilla’s Unai Emery further complicating the process.
Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain opened the season struggling to a 1-0 win against Ligue 1 minnows Bastia. They followed up with a better performance against Metz before getting thrashed 3-1 by Monaco. The team spent the first six weeks of the season trying to grasp their new formation and tactics. An October change back to their preferred formation from the past few seasons seemed to get the ship moving in the right direction.
The defending champions went on a seven game win streak in Ligue 1 to catapult back into second place. Even with the wins coming, they have not seemed to be the force of the last few years. Many of their positive results have come on the back of Edinson Cavani and his efforts. Without him, the French giants would find themselves in deeper troubles.
Outside of Cavani, few players have been consistent this term. Angel Di Maria looks more like his Manchester United version then the skilled distributor of last season and his Real Madrid days. Top summer signings Hatem Ben Arfa (Nice) and Jese Rodriguez (Real Madrid) have combined for a single goal and a single assist in 23 appearances.
Further Issues
Their stunning Champions League tie with Ludogorets cost them first place in their group. This drew them into a match up with Barcelona in the round of 16. With a daunting home and away with Barcelona on the horizon, and a dogfight for Ligue 1 supremacy, the pressure is beginning to pile on Paris Saint-Germain.
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During Sunday’s match with Ligue 1 leaders Nice, Ben Arfa and defender Serge Aurier had a reported confrontation on the pitch. It is apparent that there may be some locker room issues going on. Whether it is the mix of players, or a lack of respect and control by the managerial staff, this could quickly be the undoing of Emery’ time in Paris. Rumors are already making rounds regarding replacements for Emery. Roberto Mancini has been floated in some reports, and others are sure to follow if this continues to boil.
With the January transfer window coming up, how active PSG is may be an indicator about the depth of their internal issues. While they will be pursuing some big names, expect them to also move multiple players out. A cleaning of the deck could be needed to get Emery players for his system.
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The talent is there at PSG to continue their run in Ligue 1 and to oust Barcelona in the Champions League. The question comes down to their motivation and tactics. They need to become a cohesive unit to make this season a success. Emery also needs to show he is capable of running this show. If they continue to play as individuals and struggle, expect the alarms to ring around PSG.