First place Paris Saint-Germain will take on third-placed Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc des Princes. The capital club often has a comfortable lead heading into the Christmas break; however, like 2020, this season is different.
Les Parisiens sit atop Ligue 1 but only have 28 points. Meanwhile, Lyon has 26, so a victory in the French capital could see Les Gones leap over PSG and take over first place. Furthermore, with no crowd and like Olympique de Marseille proved earlier this season, it’s not an impossible task to pick up a win on the road against PSG with no supporters at the Parc.
PSG manager Thomas Tuchel discussed in his press conference where Canal Supporters relayed his words about what formations he would consider using to make sure that loss at home against Lyon doesn’t occur.
“We are always looking for a solution for everyone. We think about the team, but at the same time, we also think about this connection between the two to have the possibility for them to play together. In 4-4-2, they are together on the left side. If we play 5-3-2 or 3-5-2, they are also together but on the axis of the field,” Tuchel said.
“These are things that we have to decide and think a lot about. We have to accept the connections between Verratti Neymar and Kylian. We decided 3-5-2 to give ourselves this possibility of connections. The most important thing is that it gives the possibility of defending by advancing and recovering more ball.”
After discussing Neymar from a tactical perspective, Tuchel then answered a question about why Neymar isn’t apart of the leadership group with PSG.
“I talk to him a lot. I am always close to him. It is important that he is free to say what he thinks. We speak tactically. He’s not with the five because I don’t want him to have too many distractions with these things. He takes responsibility on the pitch,” Tuchel said.
“I want him not to think too much about the organization. If we talk about important things, he is with the key players. But for the discussions concerning the organization of the weeks, it is not with him because I want him to be quiet and free on the ground.”
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.