Not many expected to see Paris Saint-Germain hold a third place standing in its UEFA Champions League group after three games. But due to injuries and underperformances from within the team, it is not much of a surprise to see PSG get off to such a slow start in Champions League play.
Manager Thomas Tuchel’s side is just days removed from an away loss to RB Leipzig, which leapfrogged the Bundesliga side into second place in Group H. PSG did not provide much in the attack as it recorded a mere two total shots on target against Leipzig.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has analyzed the showing from his side and does not regret much from the performance. He opened up (via PSG’s official website) about his overall feelings regarding the loss during a pre-match conference for the team’s upcoming Ligue 1 fixture against Stade Rennais.
“We don’t need to have regrets,” Tuchel said. “We played a physical game, we gave a lot on the pitch. It wasn’t easy, but we managed to play with a lot of intensity. We’re disappointed to have lost, but when we analyzed the performance, we said to ourselves that we had the possibility of winning. That’s why we have to think of the upcoming game and get back to winning ways.”
As mentioned, PSG will now have a key upcoming contest against Rennes. This is a Rennes side that is currently playing Champions League football and stands at third in the Ligue 1 standings this season. Tuchel previewed on what he expects from Rennes and what will be needed from PSG in order to finish the contest with a victory.
“They’re a team that has improved a lot in recent years,” Tuchel said. “They’re a solid and strong side that has a lot of courage, and believe in their chances. They often play in a 4-1-4-1, they can play every three days, they’ve already proven that. I expect to come up against an aggressive side that plays together.
“It’s a good chance for us to put some distance between ourselves and them, but we need to show a different face collectively and put in a good performance. It’s a great game, which deserves to be prepared well. But we’ll have to be ready to stand up and be counted in key moments.”
A win for Rennes would tie them on points with PSG at 21 through matchday 10, which is why a win is of a dire need for Tuchel’s side.
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