Arjun Menon
Luis Enrique’s Bold Claim Falls Flat in Lisbon
Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 defeat at Sporting CP last week was, by Luis Enrique’s own admission, their best away performance since he took charge in 2023. A curious statement given the same side had already won in Barcelona and dismantled Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 this season.
The numbers backed him up, at least on paper. PSG dominated possession, fired off 28 shots, and saw three goals ruled out for marginal infractions. Yet they left Portugal empty-handed, undone by a late brace from Luis Suárez.
“We deserved to win, but that’s how it is in football.”
Luis Enrique
It was a familiar script. The same defensive frailties and profligate finishing that haunted PSG during their winless start to last season’s Champions League have resurfaced. Then, a dramatic turnaround fueled by clinical finishing and a fluid front three propelled them to a historic treble. Now, their attack feels stagnant, their possession often sterile.
Injuries and Inconsistency Disrupt the Flow
The league defeats to Marseille and Monaco could be dismissed as products of an injury crisis. Ousmane Dembélé, Desire Doué, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi all missed chunks of the autumn. But the Coupe de France loss to Paris FC earlier this month suggested deeper issues.
A rare bright spot arrived in the form of a 4-3 win over Lille, where Dembélé scored an audacious lob from the edge of the box. Yet the wastefulness returned in Lisbon and again in last Friday’s scrappy 1-0 win at Auxerre.
“We created a lot of chances, but we’re lacking a bit of confidence and accuracy to finish them.”
Luis Enrique
PSG sit atop Ligue 1, but their Champions League form has been underwhelming. They’re currently in the top eight of the league phase, a far cry from last season’s heroics. The absence of a true focal point has hurt them. Dembélé, when fit, was enough to drag defenders out of position and press relentlessly. This term, his absences have exposed the inconsistency of those around him.
Ramos Struggles to Fill the Void
Gonçalo Ramos was supposed to be the answer. The Portugal forward has the tools to lead the line, but he’s struggled to impose himself. He links play well when dropping deep, yet his finishing has been erratic often limited to late cameos.
The promotion of academy talents has been a mixed bag. Senny Mayulu has filled in everywhere from striker to right-back, with uneven results. Ibrahim Mbaye, fresh off a strong Africa Cup of Nations, looked rusty upon his return. Warren Zaïre-Emery, still just 19, has ably covered for Hakimi at full-back but lacks the Moroccan’s attacking thrust.
Hakimi’s imminent return from an ankle injury could provide a spark. His recovery would also ease the burden on Zaïre-Emery, who has been stretched thin.
Fatigue, New Signings, and the Weight of Expectation
A congested schedule hasn’t helped. PSG’s summer was cut short by the Super Cup and Club World Cup, followed by a midweek trip to Kuwait for the Trophée des Champions. Yet Luis Enrique dismissed fatigue as an excuse.
“It’s all in the head. When we’re winning 5-0, nobody’s tired. When we lose, everybody’s tired.”
Luis Enrique
The new signings have struggled to adapt. Lucas Chevalier has fended off Matvey Safonov for the goalkeeper spot, but his errors in Lisbon including a parry straight to Suárez have kept the pressure on. Illia Zabarnyi, another newcomer, has been criticized for passive defending.
Luis Enrique has stood by his players, acknowledging the unique pressures of playing in Paris.
“The first thing I tell new signings is to be careful at PSG, you’ll be criticized in your first season no matter what.”
Luis Enrique
Wednesday’s match against Newcastle is a chance to reset. The manager has called for more authority in possession and sharper defending. Last year, PSG were on the brink of Champions League elimination before a stunning revival. This time, the stakes are lower but the need for urgency is just as real.
With their squad nearly back to full strength, the European champions must rediscover their attacking verve. Another slow start could prove costly.
Read also: UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 Prediction Digest: Tips and Odds