It was a disastrous Wednesday night for Paris Saint-Germain at St. James’ Park. The capital club fell 4-1 to Newcastle United on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League.
Newcastle took advantage of a mistake by Marquinhos, and it was all downhill for PSG. The goal foreshadowed the performance of the squad and the result. Furthermore, the lopsided result was a historic one and not a good kind for PSG.
OptaJean pointed out that the Ligue 1 giants had not conceded four goals in all competitions since February 15, 2020. Furthermore, the Parisians recorded their 2nd largest defeat under the Qatar Sports Investment era in the Champions League vs. the Magpies.
PSG had not conceded 4 goals in all competitions since 15 February 2020. PSG also recorded their 2nd largest defeat under the QSI era in the Champions League vs. Newcastle today. @OptaJean pic.twitter.com/aQccSxb32M
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) October 4, 2023
While some might be heading the panic button, the French club is in second place with three points after two matchdays. Additionally, many believe that manager Luis Enrique won’t make the same mistakes against AC Milan.
If PSG wants to qualify for the knockout stage, they’ll likely need to secure at least four points from the back-to-back games against the Serie A side. Anything below a possible four points will put Enrique and Co. in a challenging spot.
This loss is completely on Lucho. It’s like he was playing against us. The 4-2-4 was clearly getting overwhelmed and nullified by Newcastle 5 man mid block. 2nd half comes and Vitinha STILL NOT ON. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He finally makes a sub and it’s Barcola like WTF? Furthermore he subs Ugarte off for Vitinha leaving Warren out to dry all alone. Lucho clearly didn’t respect Newcastle he taught it would be easy sailing like vs. Marseille who are garbage. Very stubborn coach. I’m expecting him to continue playing this shitty 4-2-4 since that’s in his nature if he does at least play Barcola instead of RKM he makes more sense tactically in that set up. RKM should be an impact sub vs tired legs. 4-3-3 gave us the most balance and flexibility, Vitinha playing wide and tucking in the midfield when it was needed was clearly working offensively and defensively so I don’t understand why he wanted to change it after such a good game from Vitinha vs BVB.
I’m hoping that Lucho realizes that this ultra offensive 4-2-4 set up isn’t cut out for the Champions league without line breaking press resistant midfielders it’s so ironic that Verratti is exactly that kinda midfielder that would’ve complemented Ugarte the best in this 4-2-4 but they had to sell him for political reasons some of the decisions this club makes baffles me.
Anyway ALLEZ PARIS.