Ligue 1 side FC Nantes has begun the new season on quite a slow start. Nantes currently stands at 15th in the Ligue 1 table with two wins in seven fixtures this season. Now, the club will be tasked with its biggest test yet of the season when it faces Paris Saint-Germain up next.
Nantes manager Christian Gourcuff needs a result for his side in order to drift away from the relegation zone. But it will be an audacious task for Nantes to even pick up a draw against PSG. Gourcuff has a plan (via Nantes’ official website) on how to set up against PSG and he does not anticipate going all-out to aggressively attack the reigning Ligue 1 champions.
“Organization is one thing,” Gourcuff said. “We cannot play the all-out attack against PSG. But that doesn’t change our approach, our way of seeing things. The organization is at the service of the game and it depends on the balance of power. We would like to have the ball, we do not know if we will have it a lot.”
Much has been talked about as of late with manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to play defender Marquinhos in the midfield. Gourcuff did not take a side on this tactical dilemma but rather lauded the Brazilian for his versatility.
“Marquinhos can play both roles without a problem,” Gourcuff said. “Afterwards, the choice belongs to Tuchel. If he says he is counting on him for this position, it is because he has a special relationship with him. Marquinhos, placed there, it is a way of reassuring the team on the defensive plan and in the balance, whether they play in 4-3-3 or in 4-4-2.”
Nantes will be without several players due to positive coronavirus tests. Meanwhile, PSG will have to move forward with this contest without Neymar and multiple other players due to injury. This fixture will be a test of just how much depth both teams have.
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