PSG among the teams that run the least in Ligue 1

Known for not running much, PSG maintains its reputation as one of the teams that cover the least distance in Ligue 1 this season. However, they perform many sprints and considerably maintain ball possession compared to their competitors.

PSG remains faithful to its reputation. Every year, the Rouge et Bleu team is not among those that cover the most kilometers on the field. This season, under Luis Enrique's guidance, they don't break that pattern but are also not the team that runs the least in the championship. According to data collected by the LFP, after twelve matchdays, PSG ranks 15th out of 18 clubs in terms of the average distance covered per match.

With an average of 116.5 kilometers per game, PSG surpasses Lyon (115.3), Brest, and Metz (both with 115). However, these four teams show that this average distance covered every 90 minutes doesn't necessarily affect the overall standings. Parisians are first, while Lyon is last. Brest and Metz are in the eighth and eleventh positions, respectively. The four teams that run less are dispersed in the Ligue 1 rankings, whereas Reims, with 121.5 km/game and ranking number 1 in Ligue 1, sits in the fifth position on the table.

Other statistics revealed by the LFP on their official site, however, indicate that PSG isn't sparing efforts, as they perform very well in terms of sprints per game. With an average of 157.6 sprints per match, PSG stands third in Ligue 1, just behind AS Monaco (166.5) and RC Lens (163.3). Montpellier (157) and OGC Nice (153.3) closely follow them.

While confirming their status as a team that doesn't run much, PSG remains different from previous seasons. For instance, last season, under Christophe Galtier's management, after eight matchdays, the team stood mid-table in both aspects: eighth in sprints (140 per game) and tenth in distance covered (105 km/game, although the calculation method seems to have changed, so this ranking should be considered).

Even worse three years ago, when they finished the 2020/2021 Ligue 1 season in second place behind LOSC, the club, then under Mauricio Pochettino's leadership, occupied the last place in distance covered and second to last in sprints. However, that season was marked by the lack of preseason preparation due to the Champions League Final 8.

During last summer, PSG aimed to significantly rejuvenate its squad and make it more athletic overall. Consequently, the initial effects are visible, particularly with more sprints, but the Parisian team still doesn't shine for its endurance.