PSG fell to a 0-1 defeat at home to city rivals Paris FC last night in the Coupe de France last 32. It is the first time since 2014 that they have been knocked out at this stage of the competition, and the first loss at home since 2022. A clinical finish inside the box by Jonathan Ikoné gave Paris FC the lead with 15 minutes left in the match. Luis Enrique's side was the better side on the day, but couldn't finish the chances that were given to them. Here at PSG Post, we discuss why getting knocked out by city rivals Paris FC is a much-needed reality check.
Why the defeat against Paris FC is a much-needed wake-up call?
PSG haven't been brilliant in the league
The French champions have struggled at times in the league this season. Les Parisiens have already lost on the road to Marseille and Monaco (both 1-0). They have also dropped points against Lille, Strasbourg, and Lorient. These results have left PSG a point behind Lens in the table. It would not be a surprise if they don't win the title this season, as Lens have been brilliant. The last time Lens and PSG met in the league, Luis Enrique's side ran out 2-0 winners at the Parc Des Princes courtesy of a brace by Bradley Barcola.
There are better sides in the Champions League
PSG could have done better in the Champions League this season. This season, they have drawn against Athletic Bilbao (0-0) at the San Mamés, struggled against Spurs despite winning 5-3 at home, and lost to Bayern Munich (1-2) at the Parc Des Princes. In the game against Bayern Munich, the French champions were second best in the first half before Luis Diaz got sent off for a bad challenge on Achraf Hakimi. The two best teams in the Champions League this season are Arsenal (who have won all their games) and Bayern Munich, who are second in the league phase table.
They now recognise that they need a clinical number 9
Les Parisiens were wasteful in the derby last night. They had eight shots on target while Paris FC had only two, one of which was a goal. If they had a clinical number nine, they would have won last night. Ousmane Dembélé was clinical last season, but this campaign, he has struggled to stay fit. The France international has started nine Ligue 1 games, scoring three goals and notching two assists. This is a complete contrast to last season, where he started 29 games, scoring 21 goals and registering seven assists.
