Paris Saint-Germain returned to Ligue 1 action for the first time in 2018 as they traveled to the Stade de la Beaujoire on Sunday to face FC Nantes. Lucky for the visitors, Angel Di Maria was able to put PSG up 1-0 early and a series of favorable calls and last-ditch defending was enough to secure the three points. Unai Emery’s squad now sit 11 points clear at the top of the table after matchday 20 with an impressive goal difference of 44.
PSG Small Talk host Marc Damon welcomes PSG Talk contributor and podcast newcomer Eduardo Razo on the latest episode to break down all of the action from the gritty win over Nantes as well as the latest news and transfer gossip. What happens in January could transform PSG and either set them up for success in the UEFA Champions League or cause them to fall short once again.
One issue Emery needs to sort out immediately is whether Layvin Kurzawa deserves to continually start over Yuri Berchiche. The Frenchman was off his game once again and with so many attacking options available for PSG, you have to wonder whether or not Kurzawa’s defensive liabilities are worth what he gives you going forward.
Giovani Lo Celso was given the start against Nantes over Julian Draxler and while some may prefer the experienced Germany international, it has to be said that Lo Celso barely put a foot wrong and may have been the best midfielder for Les Parisiens. The emergence of Lo Celso could spell the end of Draxler’s time in Paris if the right offer comes in. Given his talent and the price tag he will demand (likely around €50 million), PSG would be foolish to not let him go.
To wrap up the episode, Damon and Razo discuss Gonçalo Guedes’ situation and whether it makes sense for PSG to keep him in the squad or sell high now that he is performing extremely well on loan in La Liga. There’s also the Thiago Silva and Javier Pastore drama to get into. Finally, the duo look ahead to the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
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