What is the situation with the French champions from Paris ahead of tonight’s showdown? We spoke with journalist and PSG expert Arthur Verdelet about it.
With the Red Stripe: Hello and thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. PSG has won Ligue 1 for the past three years and is currently the double winner in France. Once again, the team has a big lead over Marseille. How do you see their chances of defending the title?
Arthur: PSG is indeed well on track to defend their Ligue 1 title, given their 10-point lead over OM. This PSG team may not always win, but they never lose in France, whereas their competitors (Marseille, Monaco, or Lille) are unable to maintain consistent performances. So, it is impossible to keep up with their pace.
In the Champions League, however, they are fighting on Wednesday to stay in the competition. Why can’t PSG replicate their domestic performances on the international stage?
Paris has suffered from a significant lack of efficiency and is likely paying the price for the youth and inexperience of their squad in big matches. This was evident against Girona (1–0 in the closing stages), as well as against PSV Eindhoven (1–1) or RB Salzburg (3–0), games that Paris could have won. This lack of precision in finishing, combined with defensive mistakes or goalkeeper errors, has left Paris with their backs against the wall. Against Arsenal (0–2) or Bayern (0–1), they couldn’t compete. However, the win against Manchester City (3–2) offers a glimmer of hope.
Both clubs failed to win over the weekend. VfB lost in Mainz, while Paris only managed a 1–1 draw against Reims. Do you think this has any significance for Wednesday’s match?
No, not particularly. Against Reims, Luis Enrique rested some key players who are planned to start on Wednesday. Once again, Paris lacked that spark, that certain something in attack or midfield to secure a win. However, in my opinion, the game was coherent and reassuring.
What would an elimination mean for the club?
It would, of course, be a huge disappointment for PSG and their management. However, the project now seems different and more long-term. President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has repeatedly emphasized that Luis Enrique’s future does not depend on this. I’m curious to see what happens.
How is Stuttgart viewed in Paris?
It’s a young, rather exciting team that seems to play attractive football. I like your coach’s philosophy. In France, we are also keeping an eye on Anthony Rouault, Enzo Millot, and former Rennes player Fabian Rieder, who is finally flourishing this season. However, PSG does not seem worried at all and is very confident.
Do you see a risk that both teams might settle for a draw, which would see both of them progress?
No. At least, I hope not. Enrique repeatedly emphasizes that he wants to win everywhere and at all times.
Regarding Paris’ coach: What’s your opinion on Luis Enrique, and how does he set up his team in terms of formation and tactics?
He is a coach with a clear game plan who demands 100% commitment from his players, even if that sometimes upsets part of the squad. He had a tougher period in November and early December, but he managed to handle egos and listen to his players. He wants to keep possession as much as possible and win the ball back quickly when lost. Paris almost always plays in a 4–3‑3 formation, building up with three defenders in possession. Hakimi has a lot of freedom in this system. Mendes has also been given more freedom over the weeks, but he is suspended for the upcoming game and will be replaced by a more defensive player.
Where do you see PSG’s strengths and weaknesses?
I’d say PSG is an exciting team that is still developing but still lacks consistency. Luis Enrique wants to establish constant ball possession and total control of the game for 90 minutes, but Paris has recurring lapses in concentration. The pressing has improved significantly this season, and everyone participates—unlike last season. If you don’t contribute, you don’t play.
PSG’s strength lies in its unpredictability and the numerical advantages created by its full-backs, especially Achraf Hakimi, when they push forward into attack. I also believe PSG is at its best and most secure when it utilizes the pace of its attackers in counterattacks or quick surges forward. While this sometimes contradicts their intended style of play, it is necessary.
Regarding weaknesses, the persistent lack of efficiency stands out this season, along with avoidable goalkeeper errors (Donnarumma against Arsenal, Safonov against Munich). Even though the goalkeeper generally performs well, such mistakes can cost them a match. Defensively, the team must remain focused, and the midfield—which is often physically outmatched in duels—needs to impose itself more.
Paris has a squad full of stars. Who could make the difference on Wednesday?
I’m torn between Bradley Barcola, who has recently returned to form and was decisive against City after a difficult spell, and Ousmane Dembélé, who has been scoring regularly since December (13 goals this season). They are PSG’s two main threats and playmakers. However, I would choose Barcola, who might finally be experiencing his long-awaited breakthrough.
Finally: Your prediction for the starting lineup and the result?
4–3‑3: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos (captain), Pacho, Hernandez – Vitinha, Zaïre-Emery (or Ruiz), Neves – Barcola, Dembélé, Doué
I predict a 2–1 win for PSG. I am quite certain they will score, but they struggle to keep a clean sheet this season.
Note: This interview was translated from German via ChatGPT
Picture: © Mike Hewitt/Getty Images