A season all Paris Saint-Germain supporters will want to forget came to an end on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Stade Malherbe Caen at the Parc des Princes. The host had nothing to play for and it showed on the pitch. Adrien Rabiot’s opening goal in the 13th minute was the difference until Ronny Rodelin’s equalizer in stoppage time. The result took the air out of Maxwell’s farewell celebration after the match but for Patrice Garande’s men, it confirmed their participation in Ligue 1 next season.
There was a lot of talk before the match from the manager and players about how they wanted to put on a show for supporters and end on a high note heading into next season. Instead, supporters were treated to a lifeless performance that has been all too frequent this season. Unai Emery’s starting lineup likely contributed to the impotent display on the pitch. Giovani Lo Celso received his first start but was subbed off after 60 minutes. Gonçalo Guedes, Lorenzo Callegari, and Gaëtan Robail were all left on the bench though. With absolutely nothing to play for, I would have expected Emery to play his youngsters. That alone could have provided a much-need spark.
Other than Rabiot’s goal, the lone standout moment in the match for PSG was Kevin Trapp’s penalty save against Rodelin in the 75th minute. Presnel Kimpembe had a solid game up until he gave this penalty away but the German keeper, who was the highest rated PSG player via WhoScored.com, saved the day (temporarily) with a diving save. Trapp, who was benched in favor of Alphonse Areola earlier in the season, has cemented his place as the number one keeper and it will be interesting to see if Areola wants to stay and fight for the position or force a move away from the club.
In his final match at the Parc, Maxwell put in a forgettable performance but none of that mattered. The 35-year-old put on the captain’s armband and while the result wasn’t ideal, the Brazilian received a much-deserved send-off from the supporters. With Layvin Kurzawa out, Maxwell could start against Angers SCO in the Coupe de France final.
We’ll have more on the season and look ahead to the French cup final next weekend on our podcast in a few days but in the meantime, check out the best photos from PSG’s draw against Caen.
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There’s a mentality issue at PSG. I really don’t think Emery is the guy we need going forward. Although he is a step up from Blanc tactically, that is where it ends. We also need big internal change, as we shift from being a marketing powerhouse with a team full of individual stars to a truly coalesced side with a distinct ethos and footballing philosophy. I believe Motta was right when he said PSG should be run much more like the Italian champions than how we are now. Especially with the league seemingly increasing in quality.
The broodings of a disappointed fan.
The broodings of a disappointed fan.