PSG will end the 2022-2023 season with instability both on and off the pitch while struggling to find the right direction…
Although it is almost certain to successfully defend the Ligue 1 title, Paris St Germain needs to change. The Champions League title still turns against them along with the discipline that is getting worse and worse.
What PSG fans want most next season is to see a true team. They must have a style of play, shape the style, not just 11 players running on the field.
Under Christophe Galtier or Mauricio Pochettino, the two closest PSG coaches, the players always complained about tactics. Having stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar or Kylian Mbappe is just one element of a successful team.
Nine of PSG’s 26 defeats in all competitions in 2023 have come from tactical errors. That must change. The French capital team must know how to press and defend well when needed.
After years of appointing the wrong coach, this time PSG had to make a better choice. Galtier has never been appreciated and will most likely be fired right after this season. Before that, Mauricio Pochettino had to sacrifice himself too much to achieve true success.
Thomas Tuchel between August 2018 and December 2020 had to leave because of a disagreement with former sporting director Leonardo. Unai Emery from August 2016 to May 2018 was clearly the wrong choice. Similar is the case of Laurent Blanc in the period from August 2013 to May 2016.
This time, whoever sits in the “hot seat” of PSG must be the right person – with a clear philosophy, but also know how to improvise flexibly. Of course, it also takes a strong personality to cope with the pressure and expectations of fans.
Of course, there will not be many options for PSG but they must at least find a coach with many points to match the requirements. PSG can consider names like Thiago Motta, Luis Enrique, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Luciano Spalletti, Zinedine Zidane or Julian Nagelsmann. Perhaps, who to choose will not be as important as how PSG orients to develop.
Ultimately, the players must match what the coach requires. The PSG leadership must first appoint a suitable strategist, then provide the right players.
It is clear that PSG will stop following the path of only signing superstars. Most likely, Messi will leave after 2 seasons not as expected. Of course, the Argentian superstar’s time in Paris has helped the team a lot. It is not only a matter of expertise but also the promotion of a global brand. But the most important thing is the Champions League, Messi can not meet.
This summer, PSG will prioritize young targets and especially French nationality. Young talents like Manu Kone (Monchengladbach), Kephren Thuram (Nice), Randall Kolo Muani (Frankfurt), Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Rayan Cherki (Lyon) and Evan N’Dicka (Frankfurt) are all on the list.
Of course there are exceptions like Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Victor Osimhen (Napoli) or Harry Kane (Tottenham).
Regarding the possibility of leaving, Neymar is likely to follow Messi in leaving the French capital. This is a great prospect for Campos as he is known to have a close relationship with Mbappe.
In contrast, Campos’s task is also heavier in this year’s Summer market. If not done well, PSG does not hesitate to eliminate…
