PSG Prioritizes Team Unity and Cultivating Talent in Preparation for Girona Match

Ever since Qatar Sports Investments acquired the club in 2011, the capital club has been a dominant force in French football. Despite their success in the domestic league, they have yet to achieve their ultimate goal of conquering European competition.

This despite PSG spending lavishly – their signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe remain the two most expensive transfers in football history. They also lured Lionel Messi to the French capital at considerable financial cost, but continental success did not follow.

The closest they came was when they lost to Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final.

This season, however, is PSG’s first campaign without any of their three superstar signings, after Mbappe’s departure for Real Madrid.

But that has allowed coach Luis Enrique to forge a less individualistic outfit.

Ousmane Dembele, Marco Asensio, Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue do not have the same name recognition as Messi, Neymar and Mbappe but there are signs that PSG’s current attackers could offer more variety and a platform for a less disjointed team.

Ahead of their Champions League opener against Girona on Sept 18, Marquinhos said: “The coach knew our forwards wanted to shine. They’re scoring, they’re happy, they’re confident. We are increasingly focused on a collective style of football, it’s the direction we’re heading in.”

The Brazil defender is well-placed to offer that assessment, having been at PSG for over a decade.

Tellingly, Enrique also highlighted the versatility of his young side, who have an average age of 23.3 years old.

He said: “I can use each of the six forwards we have. They are ready, and we’re a versatile team. There are several players who can play in several positions, it’s great to have all those options because the season is going to be long.

“We need to create our own stars. We need to adapt, convince the players of the way to play. I’m very motivated and I’m delighted to have the club’s trust and I’m trying to repay them by delivering results. We have a clear project that was set out last season.”

Marquinhos added: “We always have the target of going deep into the competition. I think my teammates are the best in the world, even if there are no big names or stars, I am proud of my team.”

PSG’s claim to be a team without stars is unlikely to wash with their next opponents at the Parc des Princes, especially considering Les Parisiens spent nearly £150 million (S$256.3 million) in the off-season.

Unfancied Girona will become the 14th Spanish club to play in the Champions League when they make their debut in the competition on Sept 18 after a stunning third-placed finish in La Liga last season.

But it has been a difficult summer for the Catalan side, who in some way paid the price for last season’s success, with loan spells for Yan Couto, Eric Garcia and Savinho all ending.

Midfielder Aleix Garcia, who was back in the Spain squad for the recent Nations League games, joined Bayer Leverkusen, and top scorer Artem Dovbyk moved to AS Roma. 

But they have a fan in Enrique, who hailed his compatriot and Girona coach Michel Sanchez.

He said: “I must acknowledge that no one expected to see them here. It’s their first time. But I saw their games last season, they play great football. They were even top of the league table.

“They play well, I’m a big fan of their coach. He’s been rewarded, because tomorrow he can play in the Champions League in an iconic stadium. I wish them all the best, except against us.”

PSG will be without striker Ramos, defenders Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while midfielders Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha are injury doubts.

Girona have less injury issues, with Yangel Herrera their only major doubt. , XINHUA