Coach Christophe Galtier was good at figuring out Paris Saint-Germain’s weaknesses when his former groups confronted the membership.
Galtier was undefeated in 5 video games in opposition to PSG in two seasons with Lille and Nice, with out even conceding a purpose, so PSG employed the shrewd tactician as its new coach in July.
However, Galtier appears unable to treatment the identical downside areas he expertly exploited, and PSG is below heavy strain for Tuesday’s dwelling sport in opposition to Bayern Munich within the first leg of its round-of-16 conflict within the Champions League.
“We need to do less talking, work hard, analyze things properly,” mentioned Galtier, who has real trigger to fret.
PSG has misplaced 4 of its previous 10 video games with the defence leaking 13 objectives, whereas Bayern is hitting type having scored 11 objectives in three matches.
“Of course our players have their pride, so do I,” Galtier mentioned. “Yes, we’re worried (about facing Bayern). But we must keep a clear head.”
Yet Galtier has a headache up entrance.
Neymar, the world’s most costly participant at 222 million euros ($237 million), has been nameless not too long ago for PSG.
Kylian Mbappe is anticipated to overlook Tuesday’s sport as he recovers from a thigh damage. Lionel Messi is nursing a sore hamstring however Galtier mentioned the World Cup winner needs to be accessible.
Unbeaten earlier than the World Cup, PSG’s type has nose-dived. The defending French champion has been outplayed in complete defeats at Lens, Rennes, Marseille and Monaco.
Also, 4 of PSG’s 5 wins throughout this 10-game spell had been in opposition to both struggling top-flight groups or small sides within the French Cup. Furthermore, one other sloppy efficiency noticed PSG conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a house draw with Reims.
“The time has come to shut our mouths, we know we have to improve a lot,” PSG captain Marquinhos mentioned after final week’s French Cup defeat to Marseille, imploring his teammates to urgently react.
They didn’t on Saturday, and Galtier lamented a dismal efficiency in a 3-1 defeat at Monaco which might have been a lot heavier if goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had not made seven saves.
The World Cup high scorer Mbappé, who missed the defeats to Marseille and Monaco, posted a message on Instagram in a bid to encourage teammates and followers.
“Let’s stay strong & united,” he wrote.
Yet tensions look like operating excessive at a cash-rich membership determined to win the Champions League for the primary time, but additionally bidding to keep away from a second straight elimination within the final 16 after final season’s humiliating defeat by Real Madrid.
Some 50 PSG ultras made their emotions recognized on Sunday, with the followers jeering the gamers as they arrived at coaching.
“I understand the anger of the fans,” Galtier mentioned.
Central defender Presnel Kimpembe tried to appease PSG’s disgruntled supporters after the Monaco sport, grabbing a megaphone and addressing them instantly as he stood earlier than the away part.
“On the field we’ve been a load of rubbish, we know that,” he mentioned, earlier than imploring their indulgence and tolerance. “Don’t give up on us, we still need you. We’re going to sort things out in the dressing room, do things the right way and we’ll be up for it on Tuesday.”
It’s a well-recognized chorus that’s been churned out earlier than.
In 2019, PSG grew to become the primary crew to be eradicated after profitable the away leg 2-0, shedding to Manchester United 3-1 at Parc des Princes as Kimpembe gave away a last-gasp penalty.
In 2017, PSG was the primary crew knocked out after profitable the primary leg 4-0, shedding 6-1 at Barcelona.
And final 12 months, Karim Benzema scored a hat trick for Madrid in lower than 20 minutes as PSG crumbled within the second half, having once more gained the primary leg.
While the multitude of voices talking out at PSG sounds considerably determined, it additionally suggests an absence of unity and authority inside the membership.
It looks like everybody needs to be a firefighter and Kimpembe, after appeasing indignant followers, appeared to contradict himself.
“No, there’s no reason to be worried,” he mentioned concerning the Bayern match, earlier than including. “We need to wake up. Like I said, it’s not words but actions that count.”
Bayern has gained the German league a document 32 instances and clinched its sixth Champions League title when it defeated PSG 1-0 within the last in 2020, with former PSG winger Kingsley Coman heading within the winner.
Coman and record-breaker Thomas Müller scored in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bochum as Bayern stayed unbeaten wherever since September 17 — together with an ideal six wins in Group C of the Champions League. PSG was second in Group H behind Benfica.
Still, Bayern’s coach Julian Nagelsmann sounded dissatisfied along with his aspect’s displaying in opposition to Bochum.
“If we play like that on Tuesday then it won’t be enough,” mentioned Nagelsmann, saying his crew will up the tempo.
If so, that’s unhealthy news for a PSG aspect which struggles badly every time depth is elevated.
