Why PSG's results in pre-season should be taken lightly

Several clubs around the continent have got their pre-season underway with the upcoming season around the corner. Results in this pre-season should not be taken too seriously as many players will be returning later as a result of going deep into the Copa America/Euros.

There are even some players that committed to playing in the Olympics which is far from ideal for the clubs that they play for. Here at PSG Post, we discuss in further detail why pre-season results will not define Les Parisen's season.

Clubs are at different stages of pre-season

In pre-season, some clubs are naturally further ahead with their fitness than others. Man City is a perfect example as Pep Guardiola's side played Barcelona in their third pre-season game in contrast to this being Barcelona's first pre-season match.

Despite playing fewer games Barcelona more than held their own in the 2-2 draw. Some clubs start pre-season later than others as different leagues start at different times. Al Nassar, who were PSG opponents last summer, is a great example of this since they played a game more than the French champions coming into the encounter.

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The lineups and amount of substitutes

In pre-season, you can take off the whole team when it is half-time. In the Barcelona vs Man City game Hansi Flick took off the whole starting eleven in the second half. This changes the whole dimension of the game and makes the outcome even more unpredictable.

Hansi Flick used two sets of teams to get more players up to speed which is understandable given the importance of players being match-sharp ahead of the new season. Both managers were also missing players who went deep into the Euros and Copa America meaning that neither side was at full strength.