Concerns grow for PSG ahead of matches against Man City, Arsenal, Bayern
By Manuel Meza
Paris Saint-Germain managed to secure a slender 1-0 victory over Girona in their UEFA Champions League opener this past week. While the win brings three crucial points, it raises concerns about the team's performance, as they relied on a defensive error from their opponents to score the only goal of the match.
Despite the positive outcome, PSG's overall display left much to be desired. The team struggled to create clear-cut chances and seemed disjointed for much of the game. The lack of a convincing performance is particularly worrying, given the calibre of PSG's rivals in this year's competition.
Teams such as Arsenal, who narrowly lost 2-1 to Manchester City while down to ten men, and VfB Stuttgart, who astonishingly defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-1, are demonstrating formidable form.
Furthermore, Manchester City equalised against Arsenal with a stoppage-time goal, while Bayern Munich has been in sensational form, scoring 20 goals across their last three matches. This backdrop shows the challenges that lie ahead for PSG in the league stages of the tournament.
Concerns grow for PSG ahead of matches against Man City, Arsenal, Bayern
PSG’s next fixture in the Champions League is set for October 1, when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. This match will be a significant test for the reigning Ligue 1 champions, who must improve their finishing if they hope to compete effectively.
After a lacklustre performance against Girona, questions have arisen about whether the squad can consistently convert their scoring opportunities. Manager Luis Enrique faces pressure to get the team back on track and instil a sense of urgency in their attacking play.
Many times, we forget that football is dynamic, and results improve when there’s a focus on long-term planning and hard work. In other words, a poor match or a rough patch doesn’t define what the entire season will look like. What we’ve seen from Luis Enrique's PSG throughout last season and the start of this one is promising.
However, potential injuries are a cause for concern, with some players uncertain for the upcoming matches. Nevertheless, PSG undoubtedly has the tools to face teams of the calibre of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. Time will tell.