Paris St-Germain's Champions League title defense is proving to be a struggle. The French club, who were holders of the trophy last season, have not been able to hit top form this campaign and are now facing the daunting task of qualifying for next season's competition.
Manager Luis Enrique has acknowledged that his team are struggling with defensive mistakes and poor finishing, issues which plagued the start of the Parisians' Champions League campaign last season. The Spaniard described their defeat at Sporting in the Champions League last week as their best away performance since he took over as manager in 2023, but even this was not enough to lift his team's spirits.
The recent performances of Ousmane Dembele, who is only just returning to full fitness after a long injury layoff, have been crucial in PSG's success. The French forward has been the focal point of PSG's attack, drawing defenders out of position and notching a career-best goalscoring return. However, his absence has been felt this season, with other forwards failing to make up for his absences.
Goncalo Ramos, who is often touted as the potential focal point of PSG's star-studded attack, has struggled to find enough space to involve himself in matches. The Portugal forward undoubtedly has the skillset required to be a key player, but his performances have been inconsistent.
PSG's squad has been depleted due to injury, and their summer signings have not won over fans yet. Gianluigi Donnarumma's replacement in goal, Illia Zabarnyi, has been under fire for individual mistakes, while the prospect of two extra European matches may be a minor consolation if they fail to qualify for next season's competition.
Manager Luis Enrique is urging his team to play with more authority and dominate their opponents. The stakes are not as high this time around, but a winner-takes-all battle for a top-eight spot with Newcastle will be enticing nonetheless. PSG will be looking to rediscover last season's attacking spark now their squad is nearly back to its full complement.
The question on everyone's lips is whether Paris St-Germain can regain their Champions League form and make it through the knockout stages unscathed. Can they overcome their recent struggles and deliver a successful title defense, or will the pressure take its toll? Only time will tell.
Manager Luis Enrique has acknowledged that his team are struggling with defensive mistakes and poor finishing, issues which plagued the start of the Parisians' Champions League campaign last season. The Spaniard described their defeat at Sporting in the Champions League last week as their best away performance since he took over as manager in 2023, but even this was not enough to lift his team's spirits.
The recent performances of Ousmane Dembele, who is only just returning to full fitness after a long injury layoff, have been crucial in PSG's success. The French forward has been the focal point of PSG's attack, drawing defenders out of position and notching a career-best goalscoring return. However, his absence has been felt this season, with other forwards failing to make up for his absences.
Goncalo Ramos, who is often touted as the potential focal point of PSG's star-studded attack, has struggled to find enough space to involve himself in matches. The Portugal forward undoubtedly has the skillset required to be a key player, but his performances have been inconsistent.
PSG's squad has been depleted due to injury, and their summer signings have not won over fans yet. Gianluigi Donnarumma's replacement in goal, Illia Zabarnyi, has been under fire for individual mistakes, while the prospect of two extra European matches may be a minor consolation if they fail to qualify for next season's competition.
Manager Luis Enrique is urging his team to play with more authority and dominate their opponents. The stakes are not as high this time around, but a winner-takes-all battle for a top-eight spot with Newcastle will be enticing nonetheless. PSG will be looking to rediscover last season's attacking spark now their squad is nearly back to its full complement.
The question on everyone's lips is whether Paris St-Germain can regain their Champions League form and make it through the knockout stages unscathed. Can they overcome their recent struggles and deliver a successful title defense, or will the pressure take its toll? Only time will tell.
. They were so dominant last season, but now their performance has dropped to almost unrecognizable levels 
. I think they need to re-evaluate their tactics and player roles, because right now they're heavily reliant on Ousmane Dembele and even that's not a guarantee 
. Goncalo Ramos is a talented player, but he needs to step up his game 
. And can we talk about the goalkeeper situation? Illia Zabarnyi's individual mistakes are a major concern 
. But you know what? I still think PSG has what it takes to pull through and make a deep run in the competition 
. They just need to regroup, refocus, and get back to playing like they did last season 
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. And with Ramos struggling to make an impact and Donnarumma's replacement being a disaster, it's hard to see them making a deep run in the tournament 
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️. They need to start dominating possession and creating chances instead of just reacting to their opponents' attacks 
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. Injuries have piled up, and they've struggled to replace key players 
. So, if they can get everyone healthy and firing on all cylinders, I think they've got a shot at redemption 
. But, as of now, it's hard to see them getting out of this slump 
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. I'm getting a bit tired of watching them struggle with defensive mistakes and poor finishing... it's just so frustrating 
. Can they turn it around before it's too late? Only time will tell, I guess 
! I mean, who lets in 3 goals against Sporting? Their squad issues are real too, don't even get me started on Goncalo Ramos... he's got the skills, but where's the end product? 
Donnarumma's replacement in goal is a disaster waiting to happen. And don't even get me started on their summer signings... still not won us over 
. Can they turn it around? Maybe, but right now I'm just holding my breath 
they had such high hopes last season and now they're struggling so much... dembele's return has been a game changer tho 
hopefully goncalo ramos gets his act together soon 
manager enrique is giving the team some solid advice though, gotta play with more authority 
. They've got some big issues to iron out, from defensive mistakes to poor finishing. It's like they're struggling to find their identity as a team again. You know, Ousmane Dembele is crucial for them, but when he's not playing, it's like the whole team falters 
. It's gonna be a tough ride for them, but PSG fans are used to that 
PSG is having a tough time 
. They need to figure out how to stop giving away goals 
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ASAP! 
. Luis Enrique needs to make some changes and get the team playing with more authority 
. They can't keep relying on Dembele to carry them through 
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