The transfer window has closed, the UEFA Champions League group stage has been set, and Paris Saint-Germain is four games deep into their Ligue 1 campaign. Now is the perfect time to reflect on where the reigning French champions stand and what their future might hold.
On the latest episode of PSG Talking, host Guillaume is joined by a new guest Terry Philo, a lifelong Paris supporter who grew up in France, as well as Mel Brennan and Matt who show off their impressive command of the French language. We needed a full podcast lineup to tackle all of the topics swirling around the Parc des Princes since our last episode.
Up for discussion first is the match against Angers SCO where new manager Thomas Tuchel tweaked the formation from the usual 4-3-3 and went with something a bit more radical. No amount of tactics could save PSG from their usual slow start and complacency. They relied on two second-half goals to secure the 3-1 win.
Next, the team breaks down the 4-2 win over newly promoted Nîmes Olympique. This match had plenty of flashpoints throughout, including Neymar Jr. taunting the home fans and Kylian Mbappé picking up a red card. Mel, in particular, has some interesting thoughts on that red card and why it could be a good thing as the season goes along. Unfortunately, against teams of this quality, PSG’s midfield deficiencies are covered up like a teenager with too much Axe Body Spray.
With the action on the field out of the way, it’s time to discuss everyone’s favorite topic, transfers. The move to lock in Mbappé as a permanent PSG player caused Antero Henrique and Nasser Al-Khelaifi to be very careful with who they signed and buffered any move with the sale of a player. It wasn’t the splashy transfer season some wanted but it was certainly one of the most mature considering the realities of Financial Fair Play.
To wrap up the discussion, the team gives their thoughts on what might be the hardest Champions League group stage since the Qatar Sports Investments-era. PSG will battle S.S.C. Napoli, Liverpool FC, and Red Star Belgrade for a place in the knockout stage. Qualification begins on September 18 with a trip to Anfield to battle Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and the rest of Jürgen Klopp’s high-flying squad. It’s an exciting set of games that PSG supporters should be looking forward to but make no mistake about it, Tuchel has a lot of work to do between now and kickoff against the Reds.
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