Nothing signals the start of a new season of Paris Saint-Germain football quite like supporters already calling for the manager to be sacked and a change at goalkeeper, yet, here we are.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I’m joined by long-time contributor, Guillaume Delaporte, and the two of us had a chat on Sunday after the final whistle of PSG’s 1-0 loss to Lille OSC in the Trophée des Champions.
We begin the show by talking about that defeat to Lille who continues to have PSG’s number after beating them to the Ligue 1 title last season. While PSG’s squad was missing several regular starters, there were a few who put in a good shift, including newcomers Achraf Hakimi and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Next, Guillaume and I debate whether PSG should start Keylor Navas in the most important matches this season, or make the switch to Gianluigi Donnarumma. Navas is a fan favorite and a leader in the dressing room. His accolades speak for themselves but he does turn 35 in December and you have to ask if his best days are behind him. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Donnarumma is coming off a Player of the Tournament performance with Italy in the 2020 UEFA European Championship. It’s very possible PSG has the best goalkeeper in the world in Donnarumma and will let him watch from the bench the majority of the season.
Who should be the starting goalkeeper for PSG?
— PSG Talk 💬 (@PSGTalk) July 11, 2021
A 34% save rate for penalties. The average is 15-20%.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is a penalty saving machine! 🇮🇹
— 90min (@90min_Football) July 12, 2021
Following our Lille talk, we switch gears to break down the situation regarding Kylian Mbappé. Guillaume and I both feel he will move to Real Madrid at some point, either this summer or next, but the lack of communication from Mbappé’s camp is deafening. Could signing Paul Pogba be the move to convince PSG’s superstar to stick around for a few more seasons?
Other topics we cover include whether or not Mauricio Pochettino can get the team performing at an elite level, especially offensively, Mauro Icardi’s ability to disappear in matches, and we have a little fun discussing which European league PSG should join if they ever left Ligue 1.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts.
